Vikings Linked to Controversial Roster Reunion
How would you like to see Kirk Cousins back on the Minnesota Vikings depth chart?
Vikings Linked to Controversial Roster Reunion
That’s an option, says CBS Sports.
The Atlanta Falcons may trade Cousins during the 2025 NFL Draft or sometime after, and according to Cody Benjamin, Cousins back in purple is not far-fetched.
Cousins would presumably fill a QB2 role behind J.J. McCarthy, who is set to assume QB1 duty this autumn.
Vikings an Option for Kirk Cousins, Says CBS Sports
Listing possible landing spots for Cousins, Benjamin wrote this week, “This is the most intriguing possibility from a storyline standpoint. Cousins just got done rocking the purple not long ago, ingratiating himself with Vikings Nation. His return wouldn’t necessarily inhibit J.J. McCarthy, the new face of the franchise, from taking over in 2025 and beyond. He’d offer coach Kevin O’Connell a ready-made insurance plan, without the preexisting pressure of being ‘the guy.'”
“And yet the one thing Cousins has reportedly sought in his efforts to escape Atlanta is a path to a starting gig, which isn’t a reality in Minnesota barring a catastrophic summer from McCarthy.”
Benjamin also listed the New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers as would-be destinations for a Cousins trade.
Benjamin added, “If, however, he’s dead-set on a fresh start rather than sitting behind Michael Penix Jr., perhaps he’d rather sit where he and his family carved out an admittedly comfortable home for six years.”
Why Cousins Is in Play in the First Place
Cousins is only in the rumor mill because of the Vikings’ non-involvement at the quarterback position during free agency. Most fans have assumed the Vikings would prefer a veteran presence with McCarthy in the locker room. McCarthy is 22 and tore his meniscus last summer, ending his entire rookie season.
Yet, so far this offseason, the veteran quarterback theory has flopped.
Thankfully, the Vikings employ a “quarterback whisperer” in Kevin O’Connell, and nobody is too terrified that O’Connell will flunk the QB2 assignment for the first time in 2025.
Many Unhappy at the Thought of Reunion
VikingsTerritory‘s Ted Schwerzler recently panned the idea of a Cousins reunion. He wrote last week, “It’s all fine that Kirk Cousins put in some good time with the Minnesota Vikings. There were highs and lows, but as he has always done, he chased the money and went to Atlanta last offseason. Then he stunk and was benched for first-round pick Michael Penix Jr. Even after paying big money for the free-agent quarterback, the Falcons didn’t believe in Cousins enough to pass up on drafting his replacement.”
“Of course, Cousins is now soured on his current team. He wants no part in playing the backup role in Atlanta and probably feels embarrassed. That level of humility may be a good thing for the longtime veteran. As a trade candidate, he’s looking for an opportunity to get onto the field.”
A trade price for Cousins might involve a 5th-Round pick or something similar.
Schwerzler concluded, “That isn’t going to happen out of the gate in Minnesota, but if McCarthy struggles or winds up hurt again, then Cousins could work his way in. He definitely has a good relationship with O’Connell and the coaching staff. He’d likely try to weasel that into some preferential treatment.”
And many Vikings fans would not disagree with the mentality. In many ways, Cousins would invoke the past, and McCarthy is the future.
Other Cousins Destinations
If not the Vikings, New Orleans, or Pittsburgh, Cousins might have to wait until a QB1 falls injured around the business. The Falcons could then price-gouge his availability and hope for a trade.
The Cleveland Browns felt like a sensible landing spot earlier in the offseason, but general manager Andrew Berry signed Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett instead.
Put plainly, the trade market for Cousins is down to breadcrumbs this late in free agency.
Who’s the QB2 for Minnesota?
Without Cousins, the Vikings’ backup quarterback options in mid-April are slim. The team’s front office has watched as over a dozen viable QB2s have joined other teams, suggesting that Minnesota is content with current backup Brett Rypien.
Minnesota could also be waiting until after the draft when it can sign a free-agent passer without the fear of sullying the 2026 compensatory draft pick formula. If the Vikings signed a reputable QB2 today, the move would likely cost them a 3rd- or 4th-Round draft pick next April.
After the draft, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah could sign Carson Wentz, for example, who is unemployed. He can also onboard Ryan Tannehill at any time. The trade market might lead to notable signal-callers like Sam Howell of the Seattle Seahawks, Aidan O’Connell from the Las Vegas Raiders, or Will Levis of the Tennessee Titans.
Minnesota could also wait until late August when a bevy of backup quarterbacks hit the open market via roster trimdowns.
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