Over the past couple of months, it has become increasingly apparent that the Minnesota Vikings are all-in on 2024 first-round draft pick J.J. McCarthy as their quarterback of the future—and, more urgently, their projected starter for the 2025 NFL season. McCarthy was expected to compete for the starting job in 2024, but those plans were derailed after he suffered a season-ending meniscus injury during his very first preseason game, forcing the team to hit pause on his debut.
Now, with McCarthy penciled in as the starter heading into next season, the Vikings’ quarterback room remains largely inexperienced behind him. The only veteran presence is 28-year-old Brett Rypien, who has just four NFL starts under his belt. Competing with Rypien for the backup role is Sam Howell, the 24-year-old former Washington Commanders starter, whom the Vikings recently acquired. Minnesota also signed former University of Minnesota QB Max Brosmer as another developmental option. Notably, two of the team’s reported quarterback targets in free agency—Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones—have signed elsewhere, with Seattle and Indianapolis, respectively.
The addition of Howell seemed to solidify the backup spot behind McCarthy. And despite far-fetched rumors, there’s no realistic scenario where someone like Aaron Rodgers comes to Minnesota just to ride the bench. However, not everyone in league circles believes the Vikings have settled the backup QB discussion. Some insiders continue to float the idea that Kirk Cousins—yes, the same Kirk Cousins who played six seasons in Minnesota—could still be the most suitable safety net behind McCarthy.
Could Cousins Return to Minnesota?
After signing a lucrative deal with the Atlanta Falcons this past offseason, Cousins’ situation has unraveled. Atlanta used their 2025 first-round pick to draft his apparent replacement, igniting speculation that Cousins wants out. Though he has a no-trade clause, he might be willing to waive it for the right landing spot—particularly one where he’s comfortable and familiar, such as Minnesota.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano believes the Vikings remain the ideal fit, suggesting a scenario where the Falcons offload him for a 2026 fifth-round pick, a 2027 seventh-rounder, and cash considerations, with Minnesota agreeing to pay $10 million of his guaranteed 2025 salary. The thinking is simple: he wants a fresh start, and the Vikings could use a proven insurance policy behind McCarthy, especially after his injury-shortened rookie campaign.
“If he has to be a backup, we know he liked living in Minnesota and playing for the Vikings,” Graziano noted. “Plus, J.J. McCarthy is still an unknown, so maybe this could turn into more than just a QB2 role.”
ESPN’s Seth Walder Raises the Stakes
Another ESPN analyst, Seth Walder, backed up the idea—proposing an alternative trade that sends Sam Howell to Atlanta in exchange for Cousins, with Minnesota covering $12 million of the quarterback’s salary. From Walder’s perspective, the potential gain in backup quality justifies the price, especially given the uncertainty surrounding McCarthy’s health.
Walder emphasized that Cousins would have to accept a reduced role but added, “At least he’d be reunited with head coach Kevin O’Connell and have a shot if McCarthy stumbles or gets hurt.”
Do the Vikings Really Need Cousins Back?
It’s important to note that Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell and GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah had previously decided to move on from Cousins in free agency, instead betting heavily on McCarthy’s development. They responded to McCarthy’s injury not by signing a new veteran QB, but by fortifying the rest of the offense—most notably through the additions of running back Jordan Mason, veteran center Ryan Kelly, young guard Will Fries, and first-round pick Donovan Jackson, an offensive lineman from Ohio State.
With these reinforcements, the Vikings are hoping to build a strong support system around McCarthy, rather than preparing for a potential collapse.
The Risk of Bringing Back Cousins
Still, the idea of Cousins returning raises critical questions. At 37 years old, Cousins remains a capable quarterback. In just 14 games last season, he led the NFL with 16 interceptions, but also posted a 66.9% completion rate, 3,508 passing yards, and 18 touchdowns—production that many teams would gladly take.
However, the flip side of his competency is the potential for locker room tension. McCarthy is the face of the franchise moving forward, and bringing in Cousins could create an uncomfortable dynamic, especially if McCarthy struggles early. Would he feel pressure knowing a well-liked, highly-paid veteran is waiting in the wings?
“Do you really want your rookie QB looking over his shoulder every time he has a rough quarter?” one insider posed.
This is not just about performance—it’s about culture and development. McCarthy needs room to grow without constantly fearing he’ll be yanked. Bringing Cousins back, even in a backup role, might unintentionally derail that process.
Will a Trade Happen?
As of now, a trade involving Cousins remains unlikely—mainly due to his hefty contract and Atlanta’s high asking price. But if the Falcons are willing to eat more of his salary or reduce the return they’re demanding, then the conversation could shift quickly.
Ultimately, the Vikings hold all the leverage. They don’t need Cousins, but they might want him—if the price is right and the role clearly defined. The next few weeks could be telling as both franchises continue evaluating their quarterback futures.
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