Kirk Cousins is looking to retire in Minnesota. The Vikings should also plan for that. – Minnesota Vikings Blog

EAGAN (Minn.) — In March, a contract extension was signed. Kirk CousinsHe articulated a vision for his future with The Minnesota Vikings.

Cousins stated, “I would love to retire as a Viking,” and so he would like to help me get there. I know that I have to earn the right. If I could draw it, it would be to play so well that you don’t have to wear another jersey anywhere else.

While the Vikings didn’t make any such announcement, after giving $70million in guarantees over two years, they indicated that they plan to keep him there at least until the 2023 season. Cousins will be 35 years old in August 2023. This raises some long-term questions about the team’s approach next week’s draft (April 28-30 on ESPN).

Cousins has been a remarkable player throughout his career. Can the Vikings expect this to continue into Cousins’ 30s? What is responsible team building? What is the best time to start a systematic and organized process for a quarterback change? It would make sense to draft a developmental quarterback if they aren’t serious about one of the top 2022 quarterbacks. Is it realistic to expect a quarterback who was drafted on Day 2 or 3, to be part of future planning? Is the 2022 active trade market for veteran starters a sign of a new era in quarterback availability?

These questions are not new. But the decision-makers for the Vikings have to be familiar with them. Kevin O’Connell, coach, said this week that he has talked with Kwesi Adomo-Mensah about the direction for the quarterback position “a lot”. While they have made it clear that Cousins is their priority, O’Connell stated that he believes there are no other options for draft.

The No. The Vikings hold the No. 12 overall spot, the same spot that the Houston TexansSelect Deshaun Watson2017. The Texans didn’t have a starter at the time and were unable to find one. Green Bay Packers have learned – most recently when they upset Aaron RodgersThrough drafting Jordan Love in the first round in 2020 – proactive draft strategy can levy some unintended consequences in the locker room.

This is not always true. Watson was selected by the Texans two picks prior to Watson’s selection. Kansas City Chiefs drafted quarterback Patrick MahomesAt No. 10 at a moment when Alex Smith, the Pro Bowl starter, was 33.

NFL teams aren’t excited about the 2022 class’s top quarterbacks — which also includes Liberty Malik Willis, Pitt’s Kenny PickettOle Miss Matt CorralHowever, they weren’t initially enamored of the 2017 class. (Pass-rusher Myles GarrettAwarded No. Overall, he was No. Cleveland Browns.) Adofo-Mensah, who has called it a “competitive rebuilt”, described that the Chiefs were following a similar approach to Adofo-Mensah in recent interviews. Adofo-Mensah resisted the notion that a team is building for the future or trying win now. He stated, “We are trying to navigate both the worlds.”

Adofo-Mensah, who has stated his desire to “how high we are able to take this thing”, could address the 2024 position of quarterback in 2022.

“[O’Connell]Adofo-Mensah used a wonderful term: “We do things on their terms.” “We do everything on our terms on the field. I think this also applies to team building.”

One question that the Vikings won’t be able answer during the draft is whether Cousins’ successor is on their roster. Former general manager Rick Spielman drafted Kellen MondThe second round’s third pick in 2021 (No. Mond was 66 overall, but he didn’t make much impression in his rookie season. After testing positive for COVID-19 in training camp, Mond missed 10 days of practice camp. This is why the Vikings added veteran players. Sean MannionThe No. Just before the start of the season, Mond was the No. Mike Zimmer, former coach, stated that Mond was not interested in Mond returning to the field after a losing season. Mond only took three snaps in season finale after Mannion and Cousins were out.

O’Connell was studying Mond last year as he was preparing for draft. Los Angeles RamsThe offensive coordinator said he would not make a decision until they get together on the field.

“I have always believed that he was really successful in college.” [at Texas A&M],” O’Connell said. “[He was]He is a successful pocket entrepreneur, which allows him to create a schedule. He is a true athlete. He’s also a very accurate passer, I believe.

“Now, what will that look like in our offense? Kellen and all of our other guys will have to take it to the next level. He’s a great guy and I can’t wait to be on the grass with him. … He’s been great in the meeting rooms early on. You get some leadership from him and feel that he has an early stake in what we do to those guys. It’s now time to take it from the classroom into the practice field and move on.

Long-term starting quarterbacks almost always come from the first round. 28 of the 32 quarterbacks projected to start in 2022 are first-rounders. But the Cousins agreement has given the Vikings enough time to think about their next move. Adofo-Mensah stated that he is not afraid of uncertainty, but that the time is now to deal with a post-Cousins world.