
Kirk Cousins has continually said, since signing a record-setting deal with the Vikings fully guaranteeing him $84 million, that he'll take expectations one day at a time.
Such banalities of sports are often overworked, but in Cousins' case imagining the full scope of expectations could be daunting. The Vikings' Super Bowl window is open now with a young, reigning No. 1 defense nearly returning in full and the final, evasive piece, Cousins, in place.
So begins our list of Vikings who need to live up to their 2018 salaries.
1. Quarterback Kirk Cousins
Cap number: $24,000,000
2018 salary rank (QBs): 6th
The deal: Cousins' run as the league's highest-paid quarterback lasted seven weeks before Matt Ryan inked his mega deal for $30 million per season. While Ryan is trying to get the Falcons back to the Super Bowl, Cousins is tasked with making his first appearance the Vikings' first since Jan. 9, 1977. There are few excuses around one of the league's best supporting casts.
2. Linebacker Anthony Barr
Cap number: $12,306,000
2018 salary rank (4-3 OLBs): 1st
The deal: Barr is likely seeking in the $10-$12 million per year range on a new contract that has been discussed this summer. That's what he's making on his fifth-year option in 2018 and, in the long-term, would put him in line with the league's best in Jamie Collins, Telvin Smith and Lavonte David. But will the Vikings go that high? If a deal isn't reached, Barr could force their hand by playing lights out this season.
3. Left tackle Riley Reiff
Cap number: $11,400,000
2018 salary rank (LTs): 8th