Could Kirk Cousins Really Return to the Vikings? A Familiar Face Might Be the Best Fit for Minnesota’s QB Puzzle
NFL free agency is still a few weeks away, but that hasn’t stopped the Minnesota Vikings from being at the center of quarterback speculation - and the list of potential names keeps growing. From young backups to aging veterans, there’s no shortage of options. But one name keeps resurfacing - and it’s a name Vikings fans know all too well: Kirk Cousins.
Yes, the same Kirk Cousins who wore purple from 2018 to 2023. The same Cousins who threw for nearly 35,000 yards and 270 touchdowns in his six seasons with Minnesota.
Now, after a rocky stint in Atlanta, Cousins is expected to hit the open market again. And suddenly, a reunion doesn’t feel so far-fetched.
Vikings QB Situation: Wide Open
According to a recent report, the Vikings’ quarterback situation heading into 2026 is anything but settled. Third-year signal-caller JJ McCarthy may be the incumbent, but if he wants to start Week 1, he’s going to have to earn it.
That sets the stage for a potential competition - and depending on how aggressive Minnesota wants to be in free agency, McCarthy could be battling with a proven veteran come training camp.
Cousins’ Atlanta Struggles and the Achilles Factor
Cousins’ time with the Falcons didn’t go as planned. After signing with Atlanta in 2024, the Falcons quickly drafted his presumed successor, Michael Penix. That alone raised eyebrows, but things got even more complicated when Penix eventually took over the starting job, pushing Cousins to the bench.
Cousins did get another shot late in the 2025 season after Penix went down with a season-ending injury, but by then, the writing was on the wall. Over two seasons in Atlanta, Cousins completed 65% of his passes for 5,229 yards, 28 touchdowns and 21 interceptions - solid, but not the same level of production we saw during his final two years in Minnesota under head coach Kevin O’Connell, when he posted a 67.1% completion rate, 6,878 yards, 47 touchdowns and just 19 picks.
A big part of the drop-off? That Achilles injury from 2023.
It robbed Cousins of what little mobility he had left, turning him from a classic pocket passer into, at times, a stationary target. But now, at 37 and reportedly fully healthy, Cousins is looking for one more opportunity to prove he’s still got it.
“We’ll See”: Cousins Keeps the Door Open
This week, during Super Bowl media row in San Francisco, Cousins was asked point-blank if a return to Minnesota might be in the cards. The question came from ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio, a well-known Vikings fan, who made it clear he’d like to see No. 8 back in purple.
Cousins didn’t commit either way, but he didn’t shut it down, either.
“I’m going to win him over someday,” Cousins joked. “I gotta play until I win him over. Just keep coming back.”
Florio responded: “You have! No, you have.
I know it’s a good bit, but you have, man. I want you to go back to Minnesota.
You’re not hearing what I’m saying - go back to Minnesota.”
Cousins: “We’ll see, we’ll see.”
That last line - “we’ll see” - might not sound like much, but in NFL free agency speak, it’s the kind of non-answer that keeps doors wide open.
If Not Burrow… Then Who?
Let’s be honest: the dream scenario for Vikings fans would be a blockbuster move for Joe Burrow. But that’s just what it is - a dream. Unless the Bengals completely lose their minds, Burrow isn’t going anywhere.
So if Burrow’s off the table, who’s left?
Well, the list of available quarterbacks this offseason isn’t exactly inspiring. There’s Mac Jones, who’s been backing up in San Francisco.
Malik Willis, still trying to find his footing in the league. Daniel Jones, coming off a major knee injury.
And yes, even 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers, who’s recovering from an Achilles tear of his own.
Stack those names up next to Kirk Cousins - a veteran with proven production in the Vikings’ system - and suddenly, the idea of bringing him back doesn’t just feel nostalgic. It feels logical.
The Familiar Option Might Be the Best One
Cousins knows the playbook. He knows the locker room.
He knows the expectations in Minnesota. And while he’s no longer in his prime, a healthy Cousins is still a top-tier option compared to most of what’s out there.
If the Vikings are looking for stability while JJ McCarthy continues to develop - or if they want a steady hand to lead a playoff-caliber roster - Cousins checks a lot of boxes.
Of course, it all depends on what Minnesota wants to do. Are they ready to hand the reins to McCarthy and ride out the growing pains? Or do they want to compete now, with a familiar face under center?
As Cousins himself said, “we’ll see.” But don’t be surprised if that door swings wide open in March.