Kirk Cousins

ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting that the Vikings and Kirk Cousins have agreed to a three-year, fully-guaranteed contract.

Fantasy Impact

We've heard the rumblings for quite a while and it appears that the Vikings are the only team that Cousins visited. It's said to be in the range of $28 million per year, which would give him around $84 million in guaranteed money, the third-highest number the NFL has ever seen, surpassing Jimmy Garoppolo's $74 million contract. Cousins will not take a hit from a fantasy perspective, either, as he'll have Stefon Diggs, Adam Thielen, and Kyle Rudolph at his disposal, along with a better offensive line. The defense won't allow as many points, meaning he may see a reduction in pass attempts, but he's still in the mid-to-low-end QB1 range.

NFL Insider Adam Caplan is reporting impending free-agent QB Kirk Cousins has verbally agreed to sign with the Minnesota Vikings.

Fantasy Impact

While appearing on SiriusXM's NFL radio with Zig Fracassi, NFL Insider Adam Caplan said that believes Cousins is signing with the Vikings when the free agency signing period begins on Wednesday at a per year rate of $27 million. I don't think this is a smokescreen tactic to drive up the quarterback's value either. Cousins to Minnesota has always been the likeliest of scenarios as they are built to win-now with ample cap space to get a deal done. And while there are still roughly three days until the proverbial D-Day and anything can happen between now and then, I think it would take a lot for another team swoop in and lure Cousins away at this point. Cousins would immediately enter the top five quarterback conversation from a fantasy perspective upon joining a Vikings club that will surround him with the most talent and upside he's seen as a pro.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport is reporting that the New York Jets are "willing to pay a lot of money" to Washington Redskins QB Kirk Cousins this offseason.

Fantasy Impact

Rapoport also noted that aside from the Jets, there are a lot of other "legitimate real suitors" in the market for Cousins when the free agency signing period begins on March 14. The Broncos, who Rapoport said are "going to go all in on a free agent QB" this offseason, are in the mix, as well as the Cardinals and the Vikings if they don't re-sign Case Keenum. And while Rapoport didn't mention it and despite the availability of AJ McCarron, I believe the Browns are a likely landing spot. No matter where Cousins ends up, he's finally going to get his payday.

Sports Illustrated's Abert Greer is reporting that if the Washington Redskins placed the franchise tag on QB Kirk Cousins, the quarterback's camp will immediately file a grievance to block it.

Fantasy Impact

Although there are reports flurrying stating that the Redskins are contemplating placing the franchise tag on Cousins this offseason in order to pull off a "sign-and-trade," the impending free agent QB's camp will promptly file a grievance against the team to block it. League rules dictate that is a violation if "players are tagged as a mechanism for teams to buy time in getting a long-term deal done." Cousins is poised to reach the open free agent market at the start of the new league year on March 14 for the first time after receiving the franchise tag in each of the past two seasons.

Kirk Cousins completed 20 of 37 pass attempts for 158 yards and three interceptions. He also had one rushing attempt for 12 yards and a touchdown.

Fantasy Impact

Cousins picked an odd time for one of his worst games of the season, against a beatable Giants defense in his potentially final game with the Redskins. He had a solid fantasy season overall, and his fantasy prospects next season will depend on where he lands.