The Vikings are running out of time to re-sign quarterback Kirk Cousins before he hits free agency, and betting on his next team is now an option.
During Friday’s PFT Live, DraftKings’ odds for Cousins’s 2024 team were discussed. The Vikings are still the frontrunners at -200.
The team outside Minnesota with the best odds is Atlanta at +300, followed by a return to Washington at +500, and the Raiders at +800.
The Titans and Patriots are both at +1200, while the Steelers are at +1600.
The Buccaneers are at +3500, and the Broncos and Bears are both at +5000.
The Falcons are a strong contender. Cousins’s wife, Julie, hails from Alpharetta, and her parents still live there. If the Cousins family decides to leave their current home, returning to a place with familial ties could be appealing.
Playing for the Falcons offers intriguing prospects for Cousins. The NFC South is perceived as weaker than the NFC North. Additionally, new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson has connections to Sean McVay, similar to Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell. Furthermore, new coach Raheem Morris is highly regarded in NFL circles, and the Falcons’ offense features players like Bijan Robinson, Kyle Pitts, and Drake London.
While the betting market has fluctuated slightly in recent days, with the Steelers previously at +800, the top two options (Minnesota and Atlanta) remain unchanged.
In conclusion, the Vikings must act quickly if they want to retain Cousins. Once Atlanta makes a serious push for Cousins (potentially starting at the Scouting Combine in just over a week), it might be too late for the Vikings to respond. If Cousins signs with the Falcons, it could evoke memories of the 1998 NFC Championship game for fans.
