The Vikings’ Wild QB1/2 Theory…Sort of Makes Sense
In time, J.J. McCarthy is going to figure things out (things are currently disastrous). The issue in Minnesota is that there’s not a lot of patience. Going into 2026 without a strong replacement for the beleaguered Wolverine-turned-Viking would be foolish.
So, the Vikings’ wild QB theory is to make a move for Kirk Cousins in a few months.
Admittedly, there’s some self-loathing for even typing those words. Cousins soaked up a ton of guaranteed money in Minnesota, delivering very little value in return. He then journeyed down to Atlanta, getting benched after poor play before becoming a starter yet again due to Michael Penix Jr. getting hurt. Does it actually make sense to seek a reunion? The answer is yes…but with some caveats.
The Vikings’ Wild QB1/2 Theory
For starters, there’s the obvious: a reunion only makes sense on a cheap contract that flows from free agency. Trading for that albatross of a contract isn’t happening (in Minnesota or anywhere in the NFL).
In both of 2026 and 2027, Kirk Cousins is scheduled to demand an incomprehensible $57.5 million per season on the cap. Seeing so much of the cap chewed up by an elite quarterback would be difficult but worth it. A backup passer who has seen the best of his career drift away in the rear view mirror? That’s a reason to move on.
The Falcons have been stubborn. Arguably to a fault. One has to assume that cutting Cousins is going to occur before free agency of 2026.
A straightforward cut is going to see Atlanta take on $35 million in dead money. Painful, but it’s the consequence of the decision they made. More promising is that the Falcons will clear $22.5 million in open room, precious financial freedom to improve a disappointing team.
So, where are things going for Cousins?
There’s a team within the QB-starved NFL that’s going to give him a contract. He’s not going to be able to demand anywhere near what he has demanded previously. Best case, one assumes, is something similar to what Russell Wilson received last offseason: a single-season deal for roughly $11 million. The money suggested that Wilson would be leaned on but easily benched (which is how things occurred).
Last week, Cousins started for Atlanta. He went 16/23 for 199 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception. The 69.6% completion rate is excellent and the 107.0 passer rating strong.
More broadly, Kirk Cousins has played in four games for Atlanta in 2025. He has offered a 1-1 record. The 449 passing yards stand alongside completing 64.0% of his passes for 2 touchdowns and 1 interception. Do note, folks, that Atlanta’s boastful claims about offering elite weapons has fallen flat (even if RB1 Bijan Robinson is excellent).
Why does Mr. Cousins make sense for Minnesota?
For starters, he doesn’t need to be a starter. Rather, he could be a starter. What the Vikings need is a passer capable of being functional. Above average is preferred, though we’ll see what the finances allow. A quarterback who can step into TCO Performance Center as an option to get onto the field while also being someone to shepherd the young fellas — J.J. McCarthy alongside Max Brosmer — makes sense.
Operating as an in-between passer — the Vikings’ QB1 or QB2, depending on the needs of the moment — is what the 2026 season appears to demand.
Kirk Cousins knows the scheme. He has built-in chemistry with the weapons, working alongside Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson previously. At this stage, one can only assume that these pass catchers would be pleased to see Cousins spinning the football.
But then if McCarthy does fulfill the prophecies that accompany being a No. 10 pick, then Cousins can be an excellent mentor. Cousins is smart, dependable, handles the media well, is disarmingly charming, and he works hard. He’ll be as good as anyone (if not better) at decoding defenses on the tablet during games to help McCarthy shine.
He is, in short, someone who could very plausibly be a very strong QB2 while also being a capable short-term QB1.
Kirk Cousins will turn 38 on August 19th, 2026. Seeing him celebrate that birthday in the Twin Cities won’t be surprising. In fact, the reunion could make sense all around.
