With the new NFL season quickly approaching, one name that has been making headlines is Kirk Cousins. The quarterback, who was once the starter for the Washington Redskins, is now facing the possibility of being the most expensive backup quarterback in league history. This may sound surprising, but for those familiar with Cousins’ career, it’s a rather Kirk Cousinsian situation.
For those who are not familiar with Kirk Cousins, let’s take a trip down memory lane. In 2012, Cousins was drafted by the Washington Redskins as the backup to then-starter Robert Griffin III. However, after an injury to Griffin, Cousins got his chance to shine and he did just that. He led the team to a comeback victory against the Baltimore Ravens and showed great potential in his limited playing time.
But it wasn’t until 2015 that Cousins got his big break. With Griffin injured, Cousins was named the starting quarterback for the Redskins. And he did not disappoint. He threw for over 4,000 yards and led the team to their first playoff appearance since 2012. This performance earned him the franchise tag, which he signed for the next two seasons.
However, things started to get complicated for Cousins and the Redskins. Despite his consistent performance on the field, the team seemed hesitant to commit to him long-term. They continued to place the franchise tag on him, making him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league. And with each passing year, Cousins’ price tag continued to rise.
Fast forward to 2018, Cousins’ time in Washington was up. He became a free agent and signed a fully guaranteed three-year, $84 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings. This made him the highest-paid quarterback in the NFL at the time, surpassing the likes of Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady.
And now, with the addition of veteran quarterback Alex Smith, who was acquired by the Redskins via trade, Cousins finds himself in a unique situation once again. He will now be the backup quarterback for the Vikings, with Smith taking over the starting role in Washington. This means that Cousins will be making an astounding $28 million to hold a clipboard and provide insurance for the Vikings in case of an injury to their starter, Kirk Cousins.
Some may see this as a waste of money or even a questionable decision by the Vikings. But for Cousins, it’s a testament to his worth in the NFL. He has proven time and time again that he is a reliable and talented quarterback, and teams are willing to pay top dollar for that kind of player.
And let’s not forget, Cousins is no stranger to playing the backup role. He did it for the majority of his career in Washington and still managed to make a name for himself and earn a lucrative contract. So, while it may be a Kirk Cousinsian situation to be the most expensive backup quarterback in the league, it’s also a demonstration of his worth and value as a player.
In addition, this move by the Vikings speaks to their commitment to having a strong and reliable backup quarterback. Injuries are a common occurrence in the NFL, and having a backup who can step in and lead the team to victory is crucial. The Vikings are ensuring that they have that security with Cousins as their backup.
All in all, while some may see this situation as a waste of money, it’s a reminder of just how valuable Cousins is in the NFL. From a backup quarterback to the highest-paid player in the league, he has certainly come a long way. And who knows, with the unpredictability of the NFL, Cousins may find himself back in the starting role sooner than we think. But until then, he will proudly hold the title of the most expensive backup quarterback in league history, in a rather Kirk Cousinsian fashion.
