Kirk Cousins has reportedly taking hard stance with Vikings contract

Kirk Cousins is entering the final year of his contract and will carry a massive salary cap hit in 2022. The Minnesota Vikings will almost certainly look for a way to lessen the blow, but they may have to pay Cousins more money — not less — to make that happen.

Cousins signed a two-year, $66 million extension with the Vikings in 2020. He has a base salary of $34 million and a cap hit of $45 million next season. According to Jordan Schultz, Cousins has “zero intention” of taking a pay cut.

Kirk Cousins has zero intention of taking a pay cut, sources says. I’m told an extension could pay Cousins, 33, around $40M per year. #Vikings

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) February 18, 2022

Cousins has taken a unique approach to contract negotiations throughout his career. He willingly played under the franchise tag in consecutive seasons with Washington before signing a three-year, $84 million deal with the Vikings in 2018. While the deal was fairly short-term for a quarterback in his prime, every penny was guaranteed.

If the Vikings want to lower Cousins’ cap hit in 2022, they will likely have to sign the 33-year-old to an extension. That may not be out of the question given how new head coach Kevin O’Connell reportedly feels about Cousins.

Cousins threw for 4,221 yards, 33 touchdowns and just seven interceptions this past season. He was solid once again, but the Vikings finished 8-9 and missed the playoffs. Cousins has always been one of those good-not-great quarterbacks throughout his career. Minnesota is hoping O’Connell can change that.

Photo: Nov 14, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) sets to throw a pass in the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports