Kirk Cousins could very well become the highest paid player in NFL history when he signs with a new team in the coming days, and there’s a chance he could achieve that by demanding a fully guaranteed contract.
There has been some talk that Cousins may want to sign only a three-year deal with all of the money being guaranteed. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports that at least two teams — and possibly three — are willing to give him a contract like that.
As the Kirk Cousins sweepstakes heats up, sources say at least 2 teams are prepared to offer the free agent QB a 3-year, fully guaranteed contract if that’s what it takes. At least one other team will do a similar deal nearly fully guaranteed. Would make him the highest paid QB.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2018
By signing a deal like that, Cousins would have more control over his future. Jimmy Garoppolo recently signed a five-year, $137.5 million extension with the 49ers, and Matthew Stafford got a five-year, $135 million contract from the Detroit Lions last offseason. Both players will earn about $87 million over the first three years of their respective deals, so Cousins is likely aiming for a three-year contract in the $90 million range.
Cousins is trying to balance winning with being paid top dollar, so the three-year, fully guaranteed contract would make the most sense for a team like the Jets. If Cousins agreed to a deal like that, the Jets would have to prove to him that they are doing everything they can to build a Super Bowl contender around him. Otherwise, he would be free to walk after the 2020 season and sign another huge deal when he is 32. For what it’s worth, one report indicated New York has a limit when it comes to signing Cousins.
Cousins is reportedly keeping an open mind heading into the official start of free agency, but one team has consistently been named as the favorite to land him.
