The door appears to be closing on a potential reunion between the Minnesota Vikings and quarterback Kirk Cousins, despite recent speculation suggesting otherwise.
Following Sam Darnold’s departure to the Seattle Seahawks during free agency, the Vikings faced a key decision: roll into 2025 with rookie QB JJ McCarthy at the helm, or bring in a seasoned veteran through trade or free agency. The team has opted to hand the reins to their first-round pick.
That didn’t stop rumors from swirling about a possible comeback for Cousins—this time as a backup and mentor to McCarthy. However, a new report from The Athletic’s Dianna Russini throws cold water on that idea. According to her sources, Cousins has no interest in returning to a situation where he’d be backing up a young quarterback—similar to the dynamic he faced in Atlanta last year.
With Minnesota likely out of the picture, the question now becomes: where could Cousins land if Atlanta decides to move him?
Russini notes that the Vikings may still put in a call, but ranks them as the “least likely scenario.” Instead, she highlights the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns as more realistic landing spots should a trade go down.
“The Steelers, Browns, and possibly Vikings could be involved in a trade involving Kirk Cousins,” Russini posted on X.
Cousins, coming off a 2024 season where he threw for 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions over 14 games, remains a capable starter. However, there’s a financial hurdle. The Falcons are reportedly seeking a trade partner willing to absorb $20 million of the $45 million guaranteed left on his contract—a steep price. So far, the consensus among interested teams is that $10 million is their max.
Cousins’ contract currently stands at four years, $180 million—making any trade scenario a tightrope walk between cap space and quarterback desperation.
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