A source tells Chris Tomasson that it’s possible the big-money contract handed out by the Vikings to QB Kirk Cousins could result in the team approaching RB Latavius Murray and DE Brian Robison about pay cuts or possibly even release them outright.
The Vikings have a number of notable players who are in line for large extensions, so even though they do have cap room to fit Cousins this year, it’s going to be tough for them to retain all of these players.
Murray, 28, is a former sixth-round pick of the Raiders back in 2013. After four years in Oakland, Murray departed for a three-year, $15 million contract that included $3.4 million guaranteed with the Vikings last year.
Murray stands to make base salaries of $5.15 million and $4.4 million over the next two years of the agreement.
According to OverTheCap.com, releasing Murray would free up $5,150,000 of available cap space while creating $1.2 million in dead money.
In 2017, Murray appeared in all 16 games for the Vikings and rushed for 842 yards on 216 carries (3.9 YPC) to go along with 15 receptions for 103 yards receiving and eight touchdowns. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 26 running back out of 58 qualifying players.
Robison, 34, is a former fourth-round pick of the Vikings back in 2007. He has played all 11 seasons in Minnesota and is in the final year of his two-year, $7.5 million contract that included $3.9 million guaranteed and set to make a base salary of $3.2 million for the 2018 season.
According to OverTheCap.com, releasing Robison would free up $3,487,500 of available cap space while creating no dead money.
In 2017, Robison appeared in 15 games for the Vikings and recorded 20 tackles, four sacks, and two pass defenses. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 91 edge rusher out of 106 qualifying players.
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