Could Kirk Cousins Make a Shocking Return to Minnesota? NFL Insider Floats Intriguing Idea
After a rocky stint in Atlanta, could Kirk Cousins be eyeing a return to the Minnesota Vikings? It’s an idea that has the NFL world buzzing, and ESPN insider Adam Schefter just threw more fuel on the fire.
With Sam Darnold heading to Seattle in free agency, the Vikings are still searching for a veteran quarterback to back up—or even challenge—J.J. McCarthy. While rumors of a potential Aaron Rodgers move to Minnesota have been swirling, it remains unclear just how serious the team is about pursuing the future Hall of Famer.
If Rodgers doesn’t land in purple and gold, Schefter believes there’s another option lurking in the shadows: a Cousins comeback.
Schefter’s Wild Kirk Cousins-to-Minnesota Scenario
Speaking on his podcast, Schefter floated an eye-catching scenario for the Vikings:
“Minnesota lost out on Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones. There’s not an obvious solution. What if they wait until after the draft and somehow find a way for Kirk Cousins to get back to Minnesota as the backup to J.J. McCarthy? Wouldn’t that make some sense?”
At first glance, it does. But dig a little deeper, and things get complicated fast.
Would Atlanta Even Let Cousins Go?
The biggest roadblock? The Falcons don’t seem all that eager to trade Cousins. Despite benching him last season in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta has not engaged in trade discussions and appears content to keep Cousins as a high-priced insurance policy.
Schefter acknowledged this, but he still thinks a deal could materialize:
“I think the Falcons want to be able to say, ‘We got something back for this guy that we paid so much to get.’ So maybe Minnesota says, ‘You know what, it’s worth it for us, we’ll give you a sixth-round draft pick.’ They haven’t solved the number two, J.J.’s coming off the injury, you still don’t know what you’re going to have. Let’s solidify the position with Kirk Cousins. Doesn’t that make sense?”
Would Cousins Even Want to Be Back in Minnesota?
There’s another question: Would Cousins actually want this move?
The veteran quarterback reportedly wants out of Atlanta and, more importantly, wants to play. If he returned to Minnesota, he might start the season under center while McCarthy continues to recover from his season-ending knee injury. But if history repeats itself, McCarthy could take over midseason—putting Cousins right back where he was in Atlanta: on the bench.
Will the Vikings Make a Move?
For now, the Vikings are playing the waiting game when it comes to Rodgers, but the team’s desire to add a veteran presence behind McCarthy is clear. Whether that’s Cousins, Rodgers, or another experienced quarterback remains to be seen.
One thing is certain—the idea of Kirk Cousins back in Minnesota just won’t go away.
