Could Kirk Cousins Be a Good Fit for the Detroit Lions?

Kirk Cousins is all the talk right now in the NFL. The Minnesota Vikings and former Michigan State University quarterback is looking toward the future after missing most of last season due to a torn Achilles. Free agency opens on March 13. So, speculation is mounting on where Cousins will go and what kind of contract he will get. I've followed Cousins' career, being a Spartan graduate myself, and I'm glad he will be somewhere for the 2024 season. Is it possible that Cousins could be a good fit for the Detroit Lions?

Listen. The Detroit Lions have a star quarterback in Jared Goff. He's more than proven himself. He and his fiancée have settled into Michigan and treat the Mitten like their forever home. So, this has nothing to do with Goff and his place and future with the Detroit Lions. It has everything to do with Kirk Cousins and his ties with Michigan. Cousins is a Michigan native. He played for the Spartans and quickly went pro. His numbers have always been impressive, whether with Washington or the Vikings. He also seemed to be peaking right before the unfortunate Achilles injury. So, even though Cousins, in his mid-30s, is up there in age by NFL quarterback standards, he has a lot of life left.

That's where the Lions come in. So far, Cousins' name is mostly being thrown around regarding him possibly going to the Atlanta Falcons. There is talk about him getting traded to the Chicago Bears, too, if they part ways with Justin Fields. But what about the Lions? Here's the thing. Cousins is a franchise quarterback. He's not a secondary kind of talent. He's a veteran. But, if something happens to Jared Goff next season - and let's face it, with so many franchise quarterbacks out in 2023, it is a real possibility- it will be over for the Detroit Lions. We don't have any backup quarterback to deliver how we would need to provide for NFL wins.

The problem here is that Cousins would likely be too expensive for the Lions to bring on as just a backup quarterback. ESPN's Field Yates "would not be stunned" if Cousins snagged a "two-year, $100 million fully guaranteed contract." The Lions, and no team really, have that kind of money to spend on a backup quarterback. But I'm not putting that idea to rest on the road. Cousins is a Michigan boy, and it would be full circle to see him end his career here in Michigan. What do you think about Cousins and the Lions? Also, who are your early NFL favorites for next year? The season is only six months away. Okay, so that's a long time, but still. Contact me here. Also, read below for a Power Ranking of some early Super Bowl favorites, including the Lions.

I know it's probably early to talk about the Super Bowl for next season, but really, is it? I actually don't think it's ever too early to start speculating and wishing for your team to make it all the way next year. This year was so very close for my team, the Detroit Lions. But, no cigar. So, maybe next year will be our year. But, aside from the Lions, there are other teams that are on target to be major contenders next season. Some of them didn't even make the playoffs this year. So, what are some early Super Bowl contenders for next season?

Before we get into those contenders, let's look at why next season is already shaping up to be so exciting. For me, the main reason is because a whopping seven teams have new head coaches. That's really going to change the makeup of those teams. The Atlanta Falcons have brought on Raheem Morris. The Carolina Panthers have Dave Canales. The Las Vegas Raiders have knabbed Antonio Pierce. The Los Angeles Chargers have Jim Harbaugh. The New England Patriots have promoted Jerod Mayo. The Seattle Seahawks have brought on Mike Macdonald. The Tennessee Titans have hired Brian Callahan. Finally, The Washington Commanders have hired Dan Quinn.

Of those new coaches, the most interesting to me is Harbaugh for the Chargers. For Harbaugh, this is his final shot at the Vince Lombardi trophy. He just won a national championship with the Michigan Wolverines, and now, he wants a Super Bowl victory. He has a chance with the Chargers' stellar quarterback Justin Herbert. But, it will take time, in my opinion. I mean, it could take time with any of these teams with new coaches. That said, the Houston Texans had a rookie coach this year in DeMeco Ryans, and they almost went all the way, so all things are possible.

Let's get into seven early Super Bowl contenders for next season with my commentary.

One thing I like about this list is that I'm not necessarily even picking teams that made it to the playoffs this year. I'm picking teams that I think could be strong enough next season. The Seattle Seahawks are one of those teams. Their new coach, Mike Macdonald, is the former defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens. Enough said. This guy is golden. Seattle's defense is going to improve drastically with him at the helm, and they could go all the way very soon.

The Buffalo Bills missed the playoffs by a hair. They played so well against the Kansas City Chiefs, but it just wasn't enough. Josh Allen is a Super Bowl-caliber quarterback, but he hasn't taken them there. Will next year be the year? Maybe.

The Houston Texans will be the team to beat very soon. They pulled off an incredible season with a rookie coach and quarterback. They're just getting started. The team got first place in AFC South this season but lost in the divisional round to the Baltimore Ravens.

Speaking of the Baltimore Ravens, I'm still shocked that they fell to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship game. I think pretty much everyone was surprised. But, Lamar Jackson is back next year, and he's not going to let it slip away again. Next year could be their year.

It was a massive decline for the Philadelphia Eagles towards the end of last season. Everything fell apart at the seems. But, the Eagles have legacy, and they have Jalen Hurts. As long as he's healthy, the Eagles will be back next year ready to fight.

Yikes. Can the Green Bay Packers really be this good already? They almost upset the San Francisco 49ers in the playoffs this year. Jordan Love is the real deal. Watch out for this young team next year.

Okay, yes, I'm a Detroit Lions fan, born and raised. But, I think there's reason to believe that the Detroit Lions can and will be back next year. They've had a taste of victory, and they liked it. Plus, golden guy Ben Johnson is coming back to Detroit, and he wants to take the Lions all the way. Jared Goff is playing fantastic football, too. The Lions could really make it to their first Super Bowl next season. What do you think? Let me know here.