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Multiple Insiders Still See Kirk Cousins Landing Back in Minnesota
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- Multiple Insiders Still See Kirk Cousins Landing Back in Minnesota
Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
It has become clear over the last couple months that the Minnesota Vikings intend to roll with 2024 1st round draft pick J.J. McCarthy as their 2025 starting quarterback. This, after his opportunity to compete for the same role in 2024 was stripped away by to a season-ending meniscus tear during his first NFL preseason game.
On the QB depth chart, behind McCarthy, you'll find a bunch of unproven sub-28-year-olds. The vet in the room is Brett Rypien (4 starts – 28 y/o). Competing with him for Minnesota's QB2 job is newly acquired Sam Howell (18 starts – 24 y/o). They also signed one-and-done Gopher, Max Brosmer. Sam Darnold signed with the Seattle Seahawks and Daniel Jones went to the Indianapolis Colts.
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The acquisition of former Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell seemingly shored up the backup spot. Aaron Rodgers, as much as he wants to play for Minnesota, isn't coming to sit on the bench. A few insiders still aren't sold that Kirk Cousins wouldn't be best suited to hold McCarthy's clipboard though.
Minnesota Vikings still tabbed as trade partner for Kirk Cousins
Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
It's beyond obvious that Kirk Cousins wants out of Atlanta. He signed with the Falcons last offseason after again chasing a payday. The franchise then drafted his replacement with their first round pick and things have gone downhill since. It would behoove the Falcons to move Cousins elsewhere, but they need a willing trade partner.
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ESPN Insider Dan Graziano remains convinced that the Minnesota Vikings are the best fit for Cousins, if he is willing to accept a backup role at a soft landing spot with his former team, in order to escape Atlanta.
Falcons get: 2026 fifth-round pick, 2027 seventh-round pick and cash considerations
Vikings get: Kirk Cousins
Well, it makes sense for all three sides, really, counting Cousins himself. He wants a chance to start and could use his no-trade clause to nix a deal to any place he doesn't want to go. But if he has to be a backup, we know he liked living in Minnesota and playing for the Vikings. Plus, J.J. McCarthy is still an unknown after his major knee injury, so maybe this could turn into more than just a QB2 destination.
In this scenario, the Vikings would agree to pay $10 million of the guaranteed money on Cousins' contract for 2025.
After the MN Vikings missed out on their preferred veteran free agent QB options — Sam Darnold signed with Seattle and Daniel Jones inked a deal in Indy — O'Connell and GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah doubled down on their commitment to JJ, focusing on bolstering everything around the quarterback room, instead of building reliable depth within it.
Related: Justin Jefferson Reveals Why He Attended Minnesota Vikings OTAs
In the backfield, they added Jordan Mason as the perfect tag-team partner for Aaron Jones. Most importantly, they beefed up the interior of the offensive line, signing veteran Colts center Ryan Kelly, who then helped them ink young stud guard, Will Fries, to place on his right side.
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Second ESPN insider likes Minnesota Vikings + Kirk Cousins too…
After that, they put the cherry on top by selecting Donovan Jackson with the No. 23 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. But are all of these offensive improvements enough to keep the Minnesota Vikings afloat, should JJ McCarthy injure himself yet again? Graziano's ESPN colleague, Seth Wilder, believes (yet again) that Kirk Cousins is the remedy KOC & Co. need.
Falcons get: QB Sam Howell , cash considerations
Vikings get: Kirk Cousins
The key to the compensation for a Cousins deal is how much of his guaranteed money the acquiring team will take on. I'll raise Dan's offer and say the Vikings pay $12 million of it. This would allow Atlanta to save a little face and get out of the situation with a different backup quarterback.
For Minnesota, the upgrade at backup QB is more important because of the McCarthy situation. Cousins will have to accept a lesser role with his old team, but at least he'd be reunited with coach Kevin O'Connell.
Realistically, the Minnesota Vikings hold all the cards here. They don't need to pay the freight it would currently take to rescue Kirk Cousins from the money he chased in Atlanta. We've seen Kevin O'Connell work his magic with QB's much worse than Sam Howell and Brett Rypien.
Sure, Kirk Cousins would put the Vikings' quarterback room in another stratosphere, but there are plenty of downsides to consider too. Most notably, he could also become an unnecessary distraction for McCarthy and his QB development.
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Are these insiders fortelling us something…?
Despite playing just 14 games last season, Cousins' 16 interceptions led the NFL. Nonetheless, his 66.9% completion rate was among the league's best. He also racked up 3,508 yards and 18 touchdowns. Even at 37 years old, few doubt that Kirk still has the capability to be a more than competent QB.
But therein lies the problem for the Vikings. Having Kirk available to take over, in case of an unfortunate event, would be ideal. On the other hand, what if McCarthy remains healthy… is Cousins too good and too proven to be his backup?
Related: Minnesota Vikings Legend Jim Marshall Passes Away
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Do we want JJ looking over his shoulder at Kirk Cousins, any time he trips up or has a bad game? This kid represents both the present and future for this organizaiton. If there is any concern that Kirk's presence would put his development in danger, the the Minnesota Vikings need to tread lightly.
At this point, a trade for Cousins would be pretty shocking.. Of course, that's mostly due to what it would cost to get him and pay him. Should the Atlanta Falcons decide to lower their ask and take on more money to cut him loose, then the conversation could change quickly.
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