Vikings fans are asking the wrong question

 The Vikings had three names that were under fire when their disappointing season came to an end. General Manager Rick Spielman and head coach Mike Zimmer were let go, but quarterback Kirk Cousins remains. It's hard to argue that it was time for a refresh to the leadership for the organization (my picks would be Monti Ossenfort for GM, Eric Bienemy as head coach, if you were interested), leaving the status of Kirk Cousins up in the air, and up for debate. 

I was wrong about Cousins before he signed here. He's been a very productive quarterback, and has proven more impressive in tight situations than I ever believed he would be. Many people are asking "who would be better than Kirk Cousins?" Next year, there aren't any better options than Cousins that could be had. But that's just for next season. The real question should be "is Kirk Cousins going to be the quarterback for the next good Vikings team?"

I think the answer to that is probably not. While the team has some very good piece on offense. they also have a defense that completely fell apart last season, and an offensive line that renders their skill position players useless. They aren't far off, not at all, but Cousins' contract expires after next season, and by that point, he will be in his mid-30s. If the O-Line isn't sorted out this offseason (unlikely) he will be bruised and battered as well. Another long term investment might be possible, but carries more risk. 

Cousins contract, though, might compel the Vikings into an extension, if for no other reason than the soften his cap hit. The good news, however, is that this would make him a more appealing asset for a team angling for wins in 2022. For the next winning Vikings team, the best value Cousins may deliver to the Vikings is in the form of picks they can use to revitalize the defense and give Garret Bradbury and Christian Darrisaw linemates for the next half decade. 

While the quarterback pool in this draft class is pretty shallow, a look at Matt Corral would be good, in my opinion, but also, if Cousins is moved for additional draft picks, they could bide their time and wait for a more bountiful crop in the 2023 draft. Not tanking, mind you, because they should have excess picks from a Cousins trade, but patience. And heck, maybe Kellen Mond, or a reunion with Teddy Bridgewater is a revelation, and those picks could be used on other holes, or Mond could be traded for more picks. If not, they have a better pick to work with of their own.

But none of this happens if Cousins stays. The Vikings weren't good enough this year, and a simple swap of the coach and GM isn't going to change their fortunes, especially not without a new approach to the franchise. The best version of the 2022 Vikings probably has to include Kirk Cousins. Beyond that? For long term success, the Vikings will have to do it without Cousins.