'I turned down guaranteed $90million from the Jets to join the Vikings – this is why'

Kirk Cousins has explained why he turned down a mammoth $90million dollar contract with the New York Jets to play for the Minnesota Vikings - citing how there are things far more important than money

Kirk Cousins once turned down a $90million (£68.6m) contract with the New York Jets in favour of a $6million (£4.5m) pay cut with the Minnesota Vikings.

A free agent at the time, the NFL quarterback penned a three-year deal with the Vikings for a guaranteed $84million (£64m) back in 2018 to become the highest-paid player in history at the time. Before committing to the Upper Midwest though, his agent Mike McCartney told him that the Jets were plotting a $30million per year three-year deal.

And Cousins used this as leverage to secure his deal with the Vikings. While he was compensated $2million less per year by the side for his services, he noted that there are some things more important that money.

He said: "As much as the overall dollars are important in a contract, I think in my situation, structure is as important, if not more important.

"We want the money to be fully guaranteed. My preference would be to get a fully-guaranteed contract or to stick to one-year deals." Cousins also cited that he wanted to be a part of a team which has leadership qualities and stellar coaching.

He added: "You know, you like to see the guys that people have worked with because you know that is going to affect their leadership style. For me, it’s important to not only be with a guy who I think can help us win, but to be with a guy who I think can help us win and make it enjoyable."

The Illinois-born star also previously noted that he wanted to finish his career in Minnesota. When asked last year about the plans for seeing out the latter stages of his career with the Vikings, the now 36-year-old said: "It's always been that way since I got here.

"I always wanted to be a one-team quarterback and that didn't happen in Washington. Then I said, 'well, I'd like to be a two-team quarterback and, quite honestly, have enough success in Minnesota that people only remember me as a Viking'.

"That would certainly be my desire but I've also learned in this league you don't always get what you want. So, we'll see what happens. I understand there are a lot of options but it's my desire to be a Viking, retire a Viking and finish my career here."

His plans were ultimately foiled however, with Cousins parting ways with the team he was so passionate about to play for the Atlanta Falcons earlier this year. Cousins suffered a season-ending torn Achilles eight games in against the Green Bay Packers in October 2023, placed on the injured reserve list.

He subsequently signed for the Falcons on a $180million (£137m) contract in March, with $100million (£76m) in guarantees. He made his debut with the team on September 8 in a fixture with the Pittsburgh Steelers, completing 16 of 26 passes for 155 yards. He also achieved one touchdown and two interceptions. However, The Steelers ultimately won the match 18-10.

The Falcons currently sit second in the NFL South standings with two wins and two losses at present. The Tampa Bay Buccanners lead the table with three wins and one loss.

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