Kirk Cousins Linked to Vikings by NFL Insider, Latest Rumors on QB's Future With Falcons

After two seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, there is some thought within the NFL that a reunion between quarterback Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota Vikings could be in the cards this offseason.

According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, a league source expressed their belief that Cousins returning to Minnesota could be a possibility given the veteran signal-caller's familiarity playing for head coach Kevin O'Connell, coupled with the Vikings' desire to bring in competition for quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

Cousins, 37, played for the Vikings for six seasons from 2018 to 2023, posting a 50-37-1 record as the starter with two playoff appearances and three Pro Bowl selections.

Over his final two seasons in Minnesota, Cousins played under O'Connell, and he had some of the most productive years of his career.

In 2022, Cousins threw for 4,547 yards and 29 touchdowns, and he was a legitimate MVP candidate through eight games in 2023 with 2,331 yards and 18 touchdowns before his season was cut short by a torn Achilles.

Prior to the 2024 season, Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons in free agency. However, the Falcons surprised many by taking quarterback Michael Penix Jr. eighth overall in the 2024 NFL draft.

Cousins started the Falcons' first 14 games in 2024, but he went just 7-7 and led the league with 16 interceptions, which prompted Atlanta to turn to Penix.

Penix was the starter entering 2025, but a torn ACL ended his season after nine games, and Cousins went on to go 5-3 in eight starts, while throwing for 1,721 yards, 10 touchdowns and five picks in 10 games overall.

▶️ Full Saints-Falcons Recap

06:01

Per Russini, the Falcons reworked Cousins' contract, and if he remains on the roster by March 13, Atlanta will owe him $67.9 million in 2027.

That suggests the Falcons may want to trade Cousins before then, but since there is no guarantee Penix will be ready for the start of the 2026 season, there would be value in having an experienced backup like Cousins.

Additionally, Cousins has experience playing for new Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski, as he was Cousins' offensive coordinator for one season in Minnesota.

As for the Vikings, they were hurt by poor quarterback play this season, as McCarthy, Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer combined to throw 17 touchdowns and 21 interceptions.

McCarthy, who was the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, was essentially a rookie in 2025 since he missed the entire 2024 season due to injury.

Injuries cost him seven games this season, and while he did go 6-4 in the games he started, McCarthy only managed to complete 57.6 percent of his passes for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

The Vikings went 9-8 despite their quarterback situation, which suggests they could easily be a playoff team with better play from that position.

Cousins showed in the past that he could provide exactly that in Minnesota, so trading for him is something that makes sense for the Vikings to at least explore amid their reported search for a veteran quarterback.