The Minnesota Vikings are turning over the offense to J.J. McCarthy and backing off from their pursuit of Aaron Rodgers, according to a report on Tuesday morning. However, they are still looking for a veteran backup quarterback.
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter suggests that a familiar face could be an ideal choice: Kirk Cousins.
Cousins, 36, played six seasons with the Vikings before signing a four-year, $180 million deal (with $90 million guaranteed) with the Atlanta Falcons last offseason. He only appeared in 14 games in 2024 and lost his starting position to rookie Michael Penix Jr. towards the end of the season.
Schefter proposed a scenario where Cousins could return to Minnesota:
“Minnesota missed out on Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones,” Schefter said on his podcast. “There isn’t an obvious solution. What if Minnesota waits until after the draft and finds a way to bring Cousins back as J.J. McCarthy’s backup? That could make sense, right? The Vikings might hold out, since the Falcons are determined not to release him. I believe the Falcons want to get something in return for the hefty amount they paid to acquire him. So, maybe the Vikings say, ‘It’s worth it for us; we’ll offer a sixth-round pick.’ They haven’t addressed their backup QB situation. With J.J. coming off an injury, bringing in Kirk Cousins could solidify the position. Doesn’t that make sense?”
It sounds logical, but whether it will actually happen remains to be seen.
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