Everyone knew the Minnesota Vikings would suffer when Kirk Cousins announced he was joining the Atlanta Falcons. In addition to ranking among the NFL’s top 10 quarterbacks, Cousins is a seasoned leader both on and off the field.
Like the majority of professional associations, Minnesota hasn’t had a lot of bad press up to this point. The team acted as though they had just acquired Tom Brady and Caleb Williams as they celebrated signing Sam Darnold and selecting J.J. McCarthy. They ought to, too. It is their responsibility to instill in the fan base the belief that things have improved since they had Cousins.
Given the circumstances of Kirk Cousins suddenly leaving and it being somewhat late in the trade season (for QBs, at least), getting Sam Darnold, who at least has starting experience, was a good get. Drafting J.J. McCarthy was also a great get, again considering where they were in the NFL Draft order. However, no matter how you look at it, unless McCarthy is the next CJ Stroud or Sam Darnold has the comeback story of the decade, it is hard to deny that the Vikings are in a much worse position than they were last year.
Still, when compared to when Cousins first announced he was leaving, things are looking much better. Many teams that lose their franchise QB and don’t have a top-five NFL Draft selection end up having very few options and end up struggling or even tanking the following season. The current situation at least makes the Vikings appear as possibly a fringe NFC wildcard team.
Minnesota’s defensive tackle Harrison Phillips spoke candidly about the impact the four-time All-Pro Bowler’s absence will have on the group. What he revealed on “NFL Total Access” was as follows:
“There will be a significant loss. As a person, a teammate, and a leader, Kirk Cousins leaves a significant hole in your locker room. Among the most modest men I have ever encountered. A great motivator and a servant leader. He’s excellent. It is most likely not likely to ask one person to fill that gap.
Together, we can shoulder that burden, and who knows? Maybe it will make us all better football players. It’s clear that Kirk is incredible. He’s taught me a lot about leadership, and I’m trying to pick up some of his lessons in that area.
