You Know Who Got the Vikings Landing Spot Treatment
Kirk Cousins is a popular figure these days, at least in NFL media, as he is featured in another season of Netflix’s docu-series “Quarterback.” The Minnesota Vikings had to say “goodbye” in the 2024 offseason, and they have been much happier about the divorce than the passer.
Kirk Cousins to the Vikings?
It’s been 16 months, but for some reason, the Kirk to the Vikings rumblings just won’t stop, although that doesn’t make sense for anyone involved.
That didn’t stop Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski from including the Vikings in his list of four landing spots for the four-time Pro Bowler. The Indianapolis Colts, the Cleveland Browns, and the New Orleans Saints were also named.
Sobleski wrote, “Cousins already mentioned the idea of not leaving Minnesota had he understood his standing with the Falcons a little more during last year’s free agency. He even added the caveat that if he was going to be a backup, he probably would have stayed where his family had established roots.”
If you don’t believe Sobleski, maybe Cousins can convince you.
“It felt like I had been a little bit misled, or certainly if I had had the information around free agency, it would have affected my decision,” Cousins said on Netflix. “I had no reason to leave Minnesota, with how much we loved it there, if both teams are going to be drafting a quarterback high. But I’ve also learned in 12 years in this league that you’re not entitled to anything. It’s all about being able to earn your spot and prove yourself.”
Obviously, the Vikings told him straightforwardly that they planned to acquire a signal-caller in the draft, and the Falcons didn’t. Ultimately, Michael Penix Jr. was selected 8th overall by Atlanta, and J.J. McCarthy two picks later by the Vikings. So, moving from Minneapolis to Atlanta was a wash. Certainly, the substantial contract Atlanta was willing to offer him also influenced the decision.
Sobleski continued, “The Vikings do have their quarterback plan in place with J.J. McCarthy taking over the starting role after being the 10th overall pick in last year’s draft. Cousins can return and serve as an insurance policy. Obviously, the veteran knows the system and had success under Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell’s supervision. McCarthy has yet to prove he’s capable of doing so.”
It’ll be McCarthy’s team for the foreseeable future. The Vikings traded for Sam Howell to be his backup, but avoided adding any reasonable competition, such as Aaron Rodgers or even players like Joe Flacco or Cousins. Daniel Jones reportedly headed to Indianapolis because he thought starting over there was more likely than in the Twin Cities.
McCarthy is in a wonderful position in Minnesota, considering the weapons and coaches around him.
Sobleski pointed out, “His rookie season became a wash after suffering a torn meniscus during the preseason, but the 22-year-old isn’t starting from scratch after being in the locker room and learning from O’Connell for an entire season. At the same time, though, the Vikings have yet to see what he can do when games matter. A possibility exists that McCarthy isn’t ready to start. Keep in mind, he’s younger than Cam Ward, who was chosen with this year’s No. 1 overall pick by the Tennessee Titans. And Sam Howell isn’t the same caliber of Sam Darnold when it comes to further QB options on the roster.”
Indeed, McCarthy is a mystery box, and he might just not be ready. However, the decision-makers had seen him work out and throw prior to making a decision on the QB position for the upcoming season, so it’s not too far-fetched to expect him to be prepared.
“If the Falcons want to shed a portion of Cousins’ salary and get a little something in return, a reunion in Minnesota makes a lot of sense for a team that finished 14-3 a year ago and isn’t looking to take a step back, even with a young quarterback as the plan moving forward,” Sobleski concluded.
It would make sense for Atlanta to shed the salary, but unless the Vikings are concerned about the QB1, and none of the moves they have made have indicated that, it would be foolish to add another quarterback to sit on the bench. Additionally, Cousins has a no-trade clause, and he might veto a return because it would be a lateral move, and a return could be a little weird.
Cousins to the Vikings isn’t happening. He’ll turn 37 next month, and his best bet is to wait until someone with an injured quarterback is calling.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.