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John Elway confirmed that he wants both Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas back for the Denver Broncos. As the NFL heads toward free agency the biggest prize out there is Kirk Cousins. The biggest competition for Cousins is apparently the Minnesota Vikings. Many in Broncos Country want to say that Denver is the better location, but Elway knows this can change quickly.
We got the clearest indication yet that John Elway & the #Broncos are all-in on Kirk Cousins, as @AdamMalnati16 & I talk about on the latest @MileHighReport Radio Podcast. We're also amped about another #Redskins report. Two weeks and counting. https://t.co/fctlKzjL3i
— Ian St. Clair (@IanStClair) March 1, 2018
On the Mile High Report Radio Podcast, Ian St. Clair and I discussed Elway’s quotes from his press conference, and it is clear the Broncos are all in on Cousins. However, the Broncos have to prove to Cousins they are closer than the Vikings if they want to win the Kirk Cousins Sweepstakes. But are the Broncos closer?
Realistically, keeping Sanders and Thomas is essential. Denver must keep as much talent on the roster as possible just to compete with Minnesota’s talent level at wide receiver. Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen were studs for the Vikings in 2017. Case Keenum looked like an elite quarterback throwing to them. Imagine what Kirk Cousins could be with weapons like that.
Along with Diggs and Thielen, the Vikings are set at tight end with Kyle Rudolph. They have Dalvin Cook at running back next year. The offensive line is NOT a work in progress. Even with John Elway being all-in on the Cousins sweepstakes, the talent level in Minnesota will be hard for Denver to match.
However, Elway can offer something the Vikings cannot. The path to the Super Bowl is far less difficult in the AFC. Minnesota will have to contend with Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. Philadelphia isn’t going anywhere. San Francisco looks like an up and coming force. Russell Wilson and the Seahawks are always in the mix. The NFC is stacked.
The biggest takeaway from Mike Zimmer's chat with local media today: His emphasis that the Vikings shouldn't spend a massive amount on QB if it takes away from other areas. Doesn't want to take away from strengths and "not be able to do that anymore because of financial reasons."
— Chad Graff (@ChadGraff) March 1, 2018
The Vikings head coach doesn’t seem too excited about committing the money it would take to sign Cousins. The Vikings have a lot of cap space now, but if Cousins eats it all up, Mike Zimmer is concerned about the effect on the rest of the team. His concerns may be legitimate.
Looking at the Vikings cap situation, they are clear for the 2018 season, but 2019 is when several contracts come due.
It's true, the Vikings will have nearly $50 million to throw at Kirk Cousins this offseason. But this time next year, Stefon Diggs, Anthony Barr, Danielle Hunter, and Erick Kendricks are all free agents.
— Peter Bukowski (@Peter_Bukowski) March 1, 2018
Peter Bukowksi broke down the Viking’s situation pretty clearly. With Zimmer being apprehensive about breaking the bank for a free agent QB, it looks like Denver will be the lead contender for Cousins and his services. Elway definitely wants to make a big move at QB. Von Miller wants Cousins to wear orange and blue. There are weapons in place. Now we wait.
The MHR Radio Podcast is now on iTunes, Google Play and Stitcher. Please subscribe to the one that fits your fancy, and also rate and review what you hear on iTunes.