Report: Former Washington quarterback Kirk Cousins expected to test free agency

Don’t expect the Commanders to be involved.

Will former Washington quarterback Kirk Cousins leave the Minnesota Vikings after six seasons?

According to a report from Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, Cousins is expected to hit free agency when the legal tampering period begins on Monday at noon ET.

“The Vikings and Kirk Cousins’ agent remain in communication, but at this point, it does appear that the four-time Pro Bowl quarterback is going to hit the free-agency market on Monday,” Pelissero said.

Pelissero reiterated that the Vikings remain firmly in the hunt for Cousins but that the Atlanta Falcons and possibly the Denver Broncos could be the most significant threats for Cousins.

Washington, where Cousins played for the first six seasons of his NFL career, has been mentioned as a possibility for Cousins. However, the Commanders appear focused on using the No. 2 overall pick to address the quarterback position. No team has more salary cap room than Washington, but it’s doubtful that new general manager Adam Peters spends a large portion of that salary cap room on one player.

Recent reports indicate that Cousins would be open to a return to Washington, given the organization’s many changes in recent years. However, while the negative feelings from both sides are long gone, Cousins and Washington are likely looking for two different things and will not be a match.

Cousins will likely land a fully guaranteed deal wherever he plays. As Pelissero pointed out, Cousins has played on a fully guaranteed contract for nine straight seasons.