For a long time the Denver Broncos were considered a hot favourite for Kirk Cousins’ services, not least because team boss John Elway was constantly very optimistic about the quarterback search. In the end, however, Denver signed Case Keenum – and was apparently never finally involved in wooing cousins.
That’s what Peter King from the Monday Morning quarterback reports. Wooing for cousins had gone off like this: Mike McCartney, the quarterback’s advisor, had invited the interested teams to a “silent auction”.
Each team was given a chance to submit its bid. That was all, and then Cousins and McCartney reviewed and evaluated the bids and decided to fly to Minnesota first.
The Arizona Cardinals, the Minnesota Vikings and the New York Jets participated in the auction. Minnesota was finally awarded the contract, although the jets reportedly offered more. According to King, Denver, however, did not participate in the auction at all – although several Broncos players, including Star-Pass-Rusher Von Miller, had openly pleaded for cousins.
Instead, the Broncos looked quickly in a different direction and agreed a two-year contract with Case Keenum for up to $36 million. Cousins signed with the Vikings for three years and $84 million. The complete sum is fully guaranteed.