Kirk Cousins' Contract Extension Changes With New CBA

The Minnesota Vikings have been angling to get a contract extension with quarterback Kirk Cousins, who is a free agent after 2020, done and dusted. However, the two parties have struggled to get much of anything going on that front.

According to USA Today, the main issue is that Cousins is waiting to see how the offseason progresses before starting contract talks.

There are several reasons Cousins has been so hesitant to sign an extension right now, and all of them make sense.

First, he is coming off a career year in which he won a road playoff game and set a new career high in passer rating, while throwing 26 touchdowns. Second, the Vikings don't have an heir apparent behind him on the roster, giving him more leverage. Third, Dak Prescott has yet to sign his expected huge deal, which could influence Cousins' price range. Finally, and most importantly, the new CBA changes proceedings.

As part of the new CBA, the salary cap has increased to $198.9 million, and teams are not allowed to use both the transition and franchise tags in the same season. This could force the Vikings to pony up and give Cousins an even bigger contract. Because of this, he's smart to play the waiting game.

Cousins is still scheduled to take up $31 million in cap space this season, but he could be set for free agency once again. If he meshes with Gary Kubiak's offense, which he should given how much 2019 OC Kevin Stefanski was influenced by Kubiak, his desired number could continue to grow.