The Minnesota Vikings have been racing against time with Kirk Cousins ahead of free agency, but it's a race they seem to be losing. While the Vikings have worked overtime to sign Cousins to a new deal, the veteran quarterback is set to hit the open market and will enter negotiations with the Atlanta Falcons once Monday's tampering window opens, per The Athletic's Dianna Russini.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport noted earlier Monday that the Vikings were still not giving up on trying to convince the star quarterback to stay with the team. However, time might have just run out on them.

“My understanding is that Cousins… obviously, we're getting close to the legal negotiating window. You have teams like the Atlanta Falcons who are waiting… It does seem like the Vikings are still working, still trying to see if there's somehow, someway they can get Kirk Cousins to stay. He's always going to maximize… he's going to take the biggest deal. The clock is ticking for the Vikings.”

Kirk Cousins was on pace to get massively paid with his incredible performances last season. Despite the Vikings' early losses, the quarterback was able to give his team a fighting chance. However, an Achilles tear midway through the season crushed his hopes and left his contract situation in doubt. Despite the injury, though, teams like the Falcons are lining up for Cousins.

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Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson next to general manager Kwesi Odofo-Mensah. Jefferson has a speech bubble that says “I’m waiting…”

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Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris with his quarterbacks Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr.

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Ty James stands next to Vikings logo, Bears fans, JJ McCarthy, NFL Draft reporters in stands

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The Vikings are under pressure now to try and keep their star quarterback in the city. If they fail to keep Cousins on the team, it will heavily affect their negotiations with Justin Jefferson as well. Even if JJ stays, though, they'll need to find a new QB. Russell Wilson and Baker Mayfield, the two other top QBs in the FA class, have signed new deals.

Time is ticking for the Vikings. Can they find a way to convince Kirk Cousins to stay? Or will he wind up in Atlanta?