EAGAN, Minn. - As the Vikings enter the second week of offseason workouts, there is one simple word to describe what things look like so far: new.
New season, new headquarters, new offensive coordinator--to name a few of the noticeable changes. Oh, and new quarterback.
"Its the real deal," Kirk Cousins said while taking a break from workouts. "I wasn't fooled on the free agent visit. What I saw there was the truth."
Cousins, who comes to Minnesota after six seasons with Washington, took a few practice snaps with his new offense in front of the assembled cameras Tuesday afternoon. He even connected with wide receivers Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen a few times. The pair flew to Atlanta to meet with their new quarterback earlier this year establish what Cousins calls the "foundation" of their relationship.
"They've lived up the hype," Cousins says. "It's great to work with veteran players like that who have had success and know what it takes."
Off the field, Cousins says he and his family are easily adjusting to Minnesota life. That, of course, includes being recognized recently at an Eden Prairie strip mall.
"As we were walking back to the car, a young man finishing his workday kind of did the big eyes and put two and two together," Cousins recounted. "He then walked over and asked if I was who he thought I was. I was like, I try to be!"
Cousins and the Vikings continue offseason workouts through May leading up to OTAs in early June.