Insider links ‘aggressive’ Broncos to rival 4-time Pro Bowl quarterback.
According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the Denver Broncos will be “aggressive” in their search for the perfect quarterback for head coach Sean Payton this offseason. So much so that they may consider signing upcoming Minnesota Vikings free agency Kirk Cousins.
“All options are on the table for the Broncos at quarterback,” Pelissero stated on “The Rich Eisen Show” February 23. “I would expect them to look at all of these free agent quarterbacks. I wouldn’t rule out the potential that the Broncos may pursue Kirk Cousins.”
Cousins, 35, is coming off a one-year, $35 million deal.
He will count at least $28 million against the Vikings’ limit if he is not extended by March 13, four days before Russell Wilson’s $35 million deal for 2025 becomes fully guaranteed.
There is mutual interest in Cousins’ return to the Vikings. But the Vikings may not be willing to satisfy the four-time Pro Bowler’s salary demands. Spotrac predicts he will command a $39.3 million deal.
Cousins suffered a torn Achilles in Week 8 of last season.
He completed 69.5% of his throws for 2,331 yards, 18 touchdowns, and five interceptions while finishing 4-4 on the season. He also appears to be recuperating nicely.
“It will depend on the number,” Pelissero explained. “You may certainly look at the statistics on paper and wonder, ‘How on earth are they going to get this done? They owe Russell Wilson $39 million whether he is on the club or not. But, again, Sean Payton is going to want someone. Sean Payton feels – as he did before last season – that this is a playoff club.
“He’ll have the same mentality this year. They are going to be aggressive. Everything he’s ever learned about team building boils down to the fact that you’re willing to move those chips forward, to make your move right now.
“If he believes Kirk Cousins gives him the best chance to compete in a very tough division…” “I would not take anything off the table.”
The NFL reinstated COVID-era deferments, resulting in an unexpected additional $30 million in salary cap room for each team, according to Pelissero earlier in the day.
The Broncos are $13 million over the salary cap.
This makes it easier for them to find enough space to accommodate Cousins’ high-end forecasts for his next contract than in past years. However, Cousins might receive more than $40 million. That is a high goal for a squad with numerous holes to fill this offseason.
Payton’s preference may eventually be the driving force behind the choice.
“Sean Payton’s track record is that he hasn’t played much with rookie quarterbacks,” Pelissero remarked, making it obvious that he wasn’t ruling it out.
“I believe the only time he’s done it in, what, 15,16 years as a head coach was when everyone got COVID and they had to bring out Ian Book for a December game with the Saints a few years back. That’s really it. He’s always desired a veteran. I would completely expect them to look into everything.
That includes Jarrett Stidham, a four-year veteran who Payton believes has the potential to be a starter.
But Cousins also fits the template of what Payton expects from his quarterbacks. He makes swift decisions and rarely chooses the wrong option.
