Are the Minnesota Vikings turning back to Kirk Cousins in their quarterback search? With the market heating up, solutions abound.
The Minnesota Vikings find themselves in a critical position heading into the 2025 NFL season. As the hunt for a veteran quarterback intensifies, many fans and analysts are turning their eyes back to Kirk Cousins. After a series of frustrating performances, the Atlanta Falcons quarterback is once again a topic of conversation. Could Cousins, under a hefty four-year, $180 million contract, become part of a trade deal that rejuvenates the Vikings’ roster?
The Need for a Veteran Quarterback
With the Vikings seemingly committed to J.J. McCarthy as their starting quarterback for the future, securing a reliable backup has become essential. Currently, there are several viable candidates floating around the league, but none carry the experience and expertise that Cousins does. After leaving the Vikings in free agency for the Falcons, he has shown signs of struggle, culminating in a lackluster 2024 season where he threw for only 3,508 yards and exhibited a mixed bag of 18 touchdowns against 16 interceptions.
Despite this, Cousins holds considerable experience, having spent six valuable seasons under the Vikings' banner. The question arises: can they afford to let the opportunity slip away? With Cousins’ current status with the Falcons being uncertain, this could be the perfect moment for a trade.
Current State of the Falcons and Cousins
Currently, the Atlanta Falcons are reportedly exploring trade options for Cousins. After a less than stellar performance in 2024, where he led the team to a mediocre 7-7 record, the Falcons are likely searching for alternatives. A significant factor in this scenario is that Cousins, 36, is still under contract, binding him with a hefty cap hit of $40 million for 2025. The Falcons have not indicated a willingness to cut him, believing that a team might become desperate in the quarterback market as the offseason unfolds.
Vikings’ Limited Draft Capital
In a potential trade scenario, the Vikings could consider sending their 2026 third-round pick to Atlanta. However, limited draft capital does complicate matters significantly. Currently, the Vikings possess only two picks within the top 100 in the upcoming draft — their first-rounder at No. 24 and another at No. 97. They lack a fourth-round pick, making the reliance on a future draft pick particularly precarious. Trading away valuable resources for Cousins, especially with the hope of rolling with McCarthy as their lead quarterback, is undoubtedly an ambitious gamble.
Prospects for a Trade
Given the current quarterback landscape, several teams have also expressed interest in Cousins, including the Cleveland Browns and the New York Giants. Reports from sources like Josina Anderson indicate that the Falcons have received multiple inquiries about Cousins, further driving speculation around a potential trade. With a growing buzz, the Vikings might need to act decisively if they wish to reclaim their former star quarterback. A trade proposal from Heavy Sports outlines a possible arrangement, where the Vikings could acquire Cousins, while Atlanta would receive a 2026 third-round draft pick. If executed, such a trade could bring a wealth of experience back to the Vikings’ locker room.
Prospective Trade Breakdown:
- Vikings Receive:
- Kirk Cousins
- Falcons Receive:
- 2026 Third-Round Pick
Cousins’ Future and Possible Leverage
Cousins made it clear during discussions with the Falcons that he hopes to secure a starting position for the upcoming season. Realistically, barring injury to current starter Michael Penix Jr., that opportunity may not present itself in Atlanta. If he were to return to Minnesota, Cousins would need to assert himself as a reliable backup to McCarthy, who is slated to take over the starting duties in 2025. This dynamic presents a risky proposition for the Vikings, as it could lead to more drama down the line should Cousins find himself in a backup role again.
The Challenge of Investment
While it is feasible for the Vikings to accommodate Cousins' $27.5 million base salary within their current salary cap, projecting future expenses complicates matters. With the upcoming draft class set to eat into their $32.6 million salary cap space, trading for a seasoned player like Cousins may not be ideal. The long-term commitment to McCarthy and the potential need for future investments might deter front office decision-makers from pursuing this deal aggressively.
Conclusion: A Complicated Comeback
The potential for Kirk Cousins to return to the Minnesota Vikings is a narrative filled with complexity. It incorporates elements of nostalgia as well as serious considerations regarding team dynamics and future strategy. Should the Vikings choose to re-engage with Cousins, it will require careful deliberation and perhaps some financial sacrifices. As the draft approaches, the clock is ticking, and time will tell how this quarterback market unfolds and whether the Vikings decide to make a calculated risk or invest in their future with J.J. McCarthy.
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