QB Cousins, Vikings finally make it official
The leverage of free agency in his prime brought Kirk Cousins the market-setting contract with Minnesota.
Now the Vikings have their latest franchise quarterback to try to secure that elusive first Super Bowl victory.
The Vikings wrapped up their welcome party with an $84 million, three-year contract for Cousins on Thursday, banking on the former Redskin to finally stabilize a critical position that’s been infamously problematic.
“He was a guy that always had to prove himself,” coach Mike Zimmer said. “He’s a lot like a lot of people on our football team.”
Team owners Zygi Wilf and Mark Wilf didn’t hesitate to give their approval.
“If anybody in this city or this state has a question about their commitment, I think this contract shows that they’re all in,” Cousins said. “It’s a tremendous amount of belief in me as a person and as a player, and I’m humbled and honored to get the OK on that, that the decision-makers brought to them believed that way.”
Teddy Bridgewater, Sam Bradford and Case Keenum all became free agents this week and signed with other teams, so the Vikings didn’t have much of a backup plan if Cousins balked at their offer.
Rarely does a talented quarterback reach free agency before turning 30, so after playing for about $20 million in 2016 and about $24 million in 2017 on consecutive franchise tags with Washington, Cousins reached his opportunity after the Redskins acquired Alex Smith in a trade with the Chiefs.
Owner Tom Benson, a successful auto dealer who brought New Orleans Saints its only winning seasons and the “Benson Boogie,” has died. Benson, who has also owned the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans since 2012, was 90.
Benson made his mark in pro sports with the Saints, which he bought in 1985 when it appeared the club would be sold to out-of-state interests and perhaps moved out of Louisiana. He paid $70 million for the team, which is now worth more than $1 billion.
Saints: Raiders:
Receiver Jordy Nelson, released by the Packers on Tuesday, agreed to a two-year deal, and receiver Michael Crabtree was released.
Nelson, 32, struggled last season with 53 catches for 482 yards and six TDs, recording a career-low 9.1 yards per reception as Aaron Rodgers missed more than half the year with injuries.
Crabtree had a $7.7 million cap hit for this season, but there is no dead money with his release.
Former Buccaneers running back Doug Martin was signed to a one-year deal.
Three-time Pro Bowl center Mike Pouncey has been released as part of their offensive line makeover. Miami also acquired center
Dolphins:
Daniel Kilgore in a trade with San Francisco for a swap of seventh-round picks, and four-time Pro Bowl guard Josh Sitton agreed to terms on a two-year deal that could be worth nearly $18 million.
Pouncey, 28, has been plagued by serious problems with both hips, and at one time said he feared the issue might be career-ending. But last season he played in all 16 games for the first time since 2012.
Patriots:
The McCourty twins are back together. Cleveland traded cornerback Jason McCourty to New England, reuniting him with his brother, Devin. The Browns also sent a seventh-round pick to the Patriots and got a sixth-rounder in return.
Running back Rex Burkhead was re-signed to a threeyear deal.
Panthers:
Defensive tackle Dontari Poe agreed to a threeyear, $28 million deal.
Poe, 27, spent last season with the Falcons and played in 16 games and had 39 tackles and 2½ sacks.
Agreed to a oneyear deal with end Tyler Eifert and a three-year deal with punter Kevin Huber.
Eifert was sidelined for half of the 2016 season because of an ankle injury and a problem with a disc in his back that required surgery. He aggravated his back early last season and went on an injury list after two games.
Linebackers Christian Jones (Bears) and Devon Kennard (Giants) were signed.
Signed former Eagles defensive tackle Beau Allen to a three-year, $15 million contract.
Bengals: Lions: Buccaneers:
Thursday’s Games
Capitals at Islanders: Late Blue Jackets at Flyers: Late Maple Leafs at Sabres: Late Penguins at Canadiens: Late Bruins at Panthers: Late Blackhawks at Jets: Late Avalanche at Blues: Late
Red Wings at Kings: Late Predators at Coyotes: Late
NHL notes
Predators: Forward Calle Jarnkrok will miss the rest of the regular season with an upper-body injury. He was hurt Tuesday night in a 3-1 win over Winnipeg when checked by Jets forward Andrew Copp during the third period. Jarnkrok went to the locker room and was seen wearing a sling around his right arm as he was leaving the arena.
Canadiens: Goalie Carey Price (concussion) practiced with the team for the first time since Feb. 20 and is expected to be a full participant in today’s session.“It’s only a step toward his return. He’s still being evaluated on a daily basis,” coach Claude Julien said.
Ducks: When they play the Red Wings tonight, they will be looking to extend a streak in which they’ve killed 26 straight penalties at home. They last gave up a power-play goal at home Jan. 23 vs. the Rangers.
Golden Knights: Marc-Andre Fleury remains one victory from moving into a tie for 12th all-time among goaltenders at 401. He gave up four goals on 11 shots before being pulled early in the second period of an 8-2 loss to the Devils on Wednesday night in Las Vegas.