The offseason chatter around quarterback maneuvers in Minnesota seemed to have settled, especially after the Vikings made it clear they were ready to hand the keys over to J.J. McCarthy and even snagged Sam Howell as his backup. However, as with any juicy NFL narrative, the story continues to unfold. Recently, ESPN’s Dan Graziano and analytics expert Seth Walder breathed new life into the trade speculation surrounding Kirk Cousins, proposing a potential reunion between the veteran QB and the Vikings.
Graziano floated a trade idea where Minnesota would send a 2026 fifth-round pick, a 2027 seventh-rounder, and some cash considerations to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for Cousins. This trade not only involves the teams but also factors in Cousins himself, who’s clearly eyeing a chance to start. If he has to pivot to a backup role, he wouldn’t mind landing back in Minnesota, a place he has fond memories of, especially given the uncertainty surrounding McCarthy following his major knee injury that raises questions about his immediate readiness. In this prospective deal, the Vikings would be on the hook for $10 million of Cousins’ guaranteed contract for 2025.
But does this move truly make sense for the Vikings? Here’s where it gets a bit murkier. By giving up those draft picks and absorbing a chunk of Cousins’ salary, the Vikings would invite the kind of tension that comes with a veteran like Cousins yearning to reclaim a starting role. Sure, his experience surpasses that of Howell, but the Vikings seem committed to riding with McCarthy this season, believing in his potential even if the broader consensus remains skeptical.
Walder’s response to this speculation suggested a twist where the Vikings send Howell and some cash back to the Falcons for Cousins, proposing a slightly higher payout of $12 million toward Cousins’ guaranteed money. This trade might hold more merit for Minnesota, allowing them to preserve some draft capital while addressing their backup situation. However, sidelining Howell, someone they just invested in, doesn’t paint the clearest picture of long-term planning. True, Cousins brings a wealth of experience, but he’s also 12 years older than Howell, who could develop into a reliable backup under Kevin O’Connell’s guidance.
As fans sift through these proposals, it’s hard not to feel skepticism. The prospect of Cousins returning may seem appealing at first glance, but it would undoubtedly create a complicated dynamic in the locker room. It’s intriguing to see how Cousins would adapt to the prospect of a lesser role or even if he would consider sticking around when his interests align elsewhere.
ESPN’s analysis wraps up with a clear conclusion leaning against the likelihood of these deals materializing. For Cousins, both paths back to Minnesota could ultimately lead to the same dilemma he wishes to escape: playing second fiddle. The reporter’s verdict leaves us pondering whether Cousins will find himself with another opportunity to start or if he’s destined to remain behind McCarthy in a backup capacity. As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on potential outcomes, and the moves that unfold could shape the rest of the Vikings’ season dramatically.
