At some point in the last few years, Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins somehow became a punchline. Maybe it was his 2-10 record on “Monday Night Football,” although both wins came against the Bears. Or his controversial anti-vaccination stance. Or the goofy “You Like That?” boast after a Washington game.
Mostly, though, Cousins has been judged against his contract. Amazingly, he’s playing on a guaranteed deal for the seventh-straight season. He’s made $201.7 million and counting, per Spotrac —more than Barry Bonds earned in his career. Despite making three Pro Bowls, Cousins became shorthand for a good-but-not-great quarterback on an expensive deal.