ESPN's Orlovsky: Vikings can't afford both Cousins and Jefferson, should trade up in draft
ESPN's Dan Orlovsky thinks the Vikings can't afford to pay both Justin Jefferson and Kirk Cousins big extensions.
Cousins is out of contract in March while Jefferson will be heading into the fifth and final year of his rookie deal in 2024. Both are expected to earn big paydays this offseason with Jefferson recently telling SiriusXM he wants to "break the bank."
Speaking on The Pat McAfee show Thursday, Orlovsky said about the Vikings situation: "I've said for a year now 'What's the No. 1 way to keep Justin?' Like, that's the only thing that matters. And that's why I think, at some point, you're going to have make a jump with quarterback, as good of a player as Kirk is.
"But you're not going to be able to afford both Justin, at a high number, and Kirk Cousins at a number that he's going to be able to command in free agency."
The Vikings head into the offseason with around $27 million in cap space. If Cousins hits free agency without a new deal, the Vikings will have to eat a $28 million dead cap hit this season.
Minnesota are not the only team rumored to be interested in Cousins. Atlanta, Pittsburgh and Las Vegas have been talked about by national commentators as potential destinations for the 35-year-old quarterback.
If Cousins' dance moves at Thursday night's NFL Honors are anything to take note of, the Achilles injury that ended his 2023 season prematurely will be nothing for prospective teams to worry about.
With the potential of losing Cousins for nothing this offseason, the Vikings have been a hot candidate to draft a quarterback in a stacked QB class. Orlovsky said the Vikings should move up to take one of the top quarterbacks to replace Cousins and keep Jefferson happy.
"Minnesota is going to have to make a move at quarterback," Orlovsky said. "Last year they tried to go up and get Anthony [Richardson]. At least per reports. I don't know if those are 100% accurate but they tried to get Richardson. I could see them moving up again this year."
"The Vikings aren't gonna be able to afford Justin Jefferson at a high number and Kirk Cousins..
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) February 8, 2024
They're gonna have to make a move at Quarterback and I could see them moving up in the draft" ~ @danorlovsky7 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/PFH1IlqgIk
It's not the first time the Vikings have been proposed as a trade up candidate. It's not even the first time this week. Colin Cowherd, rather preposterously, suggested the Vikings trade Jefferson to New England for the third overall pick in the upcoming draft.
