Kirk Cousins’ contract with the Minnesota Vikings expires after next season. An extension is not certain, which is why the quarterback is taking the precaution of stressing how much he would like to stay.

What does the future hold for Kirk Cousins? If the quarterback has his way, things are clear: “I want to play in Minnesota. It’s a ‘no-brainer,’ so I hope I can earn the right to do that,” Cousins said during a press conference.

The 34-year-old has played for the Vikings since 2018, but he enters the final year of his contract in 2023. Whether there will be an extension – unclear. Which is why the never-quite-uncontroversial playmaker almost sounds a little desperate when he talks about his desire to stay with the Vikings.

Minnesota Vikings: made playoffs only twice with Cousins

“When I say I’d like to stay in Minnesota, there are a lot of things I’d like – you have to earn them. That’s where I’m at,” Cousins said.

In five seasons with the Vikings, Cousins has a 46-33-1 record as a starter. He has completed 68 percent of his passes to the man and thrown for 20,934 yards, 153 touchdowns and 50 interceptions. In 2022, Cousins threw for 4,547 yards with 29 touchdowns and 14 picks.

In all that time, however, he led the Vikings to the playoffs just twice, managing just one win in the process; in 2019, the Vikings advanced to the Divisional Round.

He’ll still lead the Vikings onto the field as a starter in 2023, though; fifth-round pick Jaren Hill isn’t expected to be serious competition for the time being. Last year’s backup Nick Mullens is also still on the squad. In doing so, Cousins is clear that the team is pulling the strings as far as the future is concerned.

“Teams can do whatever they want. So you just go to work and do your best. I think I have a lot of good games ahead of me. So I have to go out there and earn it,” Cousins said.

Been there, done that

Furthermore, Cousins has seen it happen many times in his career that free agency is a possible option. 2023 marks the fourth time he’s been in that situation.

“Most of the guys in our locker room have no idea what’s coming three or four months from now – let alone three or four years from now or next year. So I feel like one of the guys. We’re all in the same boat, and that’s how this league works. “