Kirk Cousins is the “crown jewel” of the NFL’s 2024 free agent quarterback class, according to 33rd Team’s rankings of the top-nine QBs on the market.
33rd Team wrote that Cousins, who’s been with the Vikings since 2018, is “as consistent as it comes posting a passer rating of 101.2” since he’s been in Minnesota. While its rankings noted Cousins’ age and Achilles injury as potential drawbacks, 33rd Team said it won’t deter teams from shelling out big money on him in free agency.
Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has said the Vikings would like to re-sign Cousins, but nothing has been set in stone. Cousins himself has also expressed openness to returning for another season in Minnesota, but was rather cryptic when asked whether he’d consider taking a hometown discount if the Vikings were not willing to shell out top dollar. It’s uncertain what either side is expecting.
Cousins was in the midst of the best season of his career in 2023 before the Achilles tear ended his year. He threw for 2,331 yards, 18 touchdowns and just five interceptions in eight games.
For his career, Cousins has thrown for 39,471 yards, 270 touchdowns and 110 picks.
Rounding out 33rd Team’s top-nine free agent quarterbacks are Baker Mayfield, who’s led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a playoff win this season, at No. 2; Gardner Minshew at No. 3; Sam Darnold No. 4; Ryan Tannehill No. 5; Jacoby Brissett No. 6; Jameis Winston No. 7; Tyler Huntley No. 8; and Tyrod Taylor at No. 9.
It certainly wasn’t an exaggeration to call Cousins the “crown jewel” of the class.
