Kirk Cousins 'would like to retire as a Viking' after inking extension with Minnesota

Cousins signed an extension March 14 that has him tied to the team through 2023

In just a four-season stretch as quarterback of the Minnesota Vikings, Kirk Cousins has played himself into being one of the franchise's more prolific signal-callers. Already, he is fourth in club history in completions, passing yards, and passing touchdowns. After signing an extension back on March 14 that will keep the 33-year-old under contract with the Vikings through the 2023 season, he'll have at least two more seasons to climb up the franchise's all-time list. If Cousins has it his way, however, he'll be in Minnesota for the rest of his career. 

The quarterback spoke to reporters Monday for the first time since agreeing to that extension. Cousins noted that if he could "draw it up" he would play well enough that he'd "never have to play or wear another jersey anywhere else." This extension is not only a step in that direction but also should help the team put together a stronger roster around him. 

"The short answer [for why I signed the contract extension] is, I wanted to be a Minnesota Viking," Cousins said, via the Star Tribune. "I wanted to help create some cap space so that we could put together a roster that you do feel really good about. It's just always trying to find win-wins. I think it was a way to create a win-win, and then hopefully that leads to a lot of wins this fall."

"My mindset was really to be a Viking. I would like to retire as a Viking, and so I would like to play my way into that, if you will. I know I've got to earn the right to do that."

Cousins' new contract will pay him $35 million fully guaranteed, but the deal reportedly created about $15 million in cap space for Minnesota this offseason. 

Last year, the three-time Pro Bowler put up impressive numbers, but the team was .500 in his 16 starts under center. If he wants to play with the Vikings beyond this current contract into 2024 and beyond, the club will likely need to see an uptick in win totals along with postseason runs. Fortunately for Cousins, he does seem to be aware that he'll need to play his way into being able to have the ability to retire in Minnesota.