WASHINGTON — Kirk Cousins appears to be trading in Burgundy and Gold for a deep shade of Prince purple.
Former Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins plans to sign a three-year, fully guaranteed contract with the Minnesota Vikings, according to reports from multiple media sources. The deal will reportedly be worth $28 million per year for a total of $84 million, and will make Cousins the highest-paid quarterback in the NFL.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport first reported the Cousins deal.
Cousins, 29, was drafted by the Redskins in the fourth round of the 2012 draft and spent most of his first three season backing up Robert Griffin III. Since becoming the full-time starter three years ago, Cousins has been one of the most productive in the league.
In 2015, he helped lead the Redskins to the NFC East title, throwing 23 touchdowns and only three interceptions over the final 10 games of the season. He finished with a franchise record 4,166 yards, throwing 29 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
After not agreeing to a long-term deal, the Redskins decided to franchise him after the season. Cousins broke the franchise record for yards the following season again, throwing for 4,917 yards, 25 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. The Redskins had a chance to lock up a second straight playoff berth but lost to the Giants at home in the season finale.
The Redskins used a second straight franchise tag on him that offseason, as Cousins said he wasn’t ready to commit to a long-term deal. In 2017, Cousins threw for 4,093 yards, surpassing the 4,000-yard mark for a third straight season. He finished with 27 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.
In the end, Cousins played the previous two seasons on the franchise tag and made $43.9 million. The Redskins decided not to negotiate with Cousins after the season and chose not to use a tag on him either. Instead, they traded for quarterback Alex Smith and agreed to a four-year extension.
The Vikings are coming off an NFC title game loss to the Eagles after finishing the regular season 13-3. Cousins joins an offense that already has some pretty good weapons, including wide receivers Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen.
For those keeping track at home, the next time the Redskins are scheduled to play the Minnesota Vikings will be in 2019 … in Minnesota.
Stay with WTOP for updates on this developing story.
