NFL Rumors: Vikings Plans For Cousins Put On Hold But Looking Good

Plans for the future of Kirk Cousins of the Minnesota Vikings may be temporarily on hold with a cloud of uncertainty in the air. Despite the spread of the coronavirus, the NFL reportedly still plans to push through with its opening scheduled for Sept. 10. At this point, there is no reason to panic since a lot can happen between now and then. However, current operations may take a hit.

As mentioned in a previous post, several NFL events have been canceled due to the coronavirus. This includes the annual meeting to be held in Florida on Mar. 29 and the HBCU Combine and Regional Combine Invitational on Mar. 27. Some NFL teams have also undertaken the necessary measures, recalling and restricting travel to their coaches and scouts for preventive measures.

On the part of Cousins, contract extension discussions are reportedly underway. Under normal conditions, that deal would have been settled before the Mar. 18 deadline. According to ESPN, it was all about crunching the numbers and the two sides have yet to agree on something. Hence, a contract extension for Cousins may not be sealed this early although talks could extend even up to free agency.

The thing here is talks may be affected by the coronavirus scare. The NFL sees its schedule going according to plan although some remain skeptical. It would not come as a surprise if adjustments are made moving forward - a common recourse by most sports leagues that have been temporarily put on hold.

Cousins signed an $84 million three-year deal with the Vikings back in 2018. The 31-year-old drew criticism at first until he buckled down to work in 2019. Last NFL season, he threw for 3,603 yards, 26 touchdowns, and six interceptions. He also completed 69.1 percent of his passes and had a passer rating of 107.4. That performance earned him his second Pro Bowl appearance.

The fourth-round pick of the 2012 NFL Draft was also a key figure for the Vikings in last season's playoffs. He led the team in pulling off a big upset against the New Orleans Saints before succumbing to the San Francisco 49ers in the Divisional Round.

Hence, Cousins should have no trouble closing a contract extension with the Vikings for the next NFL season. The only question now is when that new pact will be agreed upon and signed.