Kirk Cousins Could Still Return to Minnesota - Even With Stefanski in Atlanta
When the Atlanta Falcons brought in Kevin Stefanski as their new head coach earlier this month, the immediate ripple effect was obvious: Kirk Cousins probably wasn’t heading back to Minnesota. Stefanski and Cousins had a working relationship in 2018 and 2019 with the Vikings, and with Falcons rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. still rehabbing a knee injury, the dots seemed easy to connect - Cousins could stick around in Atlanta under a familiar coach.
But not so fast.
According to former NFL agent Joel Corry, Stefanski’s history with Cousins doesn’t necessarily change the plan already in motion. The expectation remains that Cousins will be released this offseason - and that means he could be available to rejoin the Vikings if both sides are interested.
Let’s break down the mechanics here. Cousins’ contract includes a 2027 base salary of $67.9 million that becomes fully guaranteed on March 13, the third day of the 2026 league year.
That’s the key date. If Atlanta intends to move on, they’ll need to act before then - and all signs point to a post-June 1 designation being used, a move we’ve seen before with players like Alshon Jeffery, Javon Hargrave, and Michael Thomas.
It’s a cap-friendly maneuver that spreads out the financial hit, and it would pave the way for Cousins to hit the open market.
And if he does? Don’t rule out a reunion in Minnesota.
The Vikings have made it clear since the end of the 2025 season that they’re looking to add competition in the quarterback room. J.J.
McCarthy showed flashes last year, but the front office doesn’t appear ready to hand him the keys without a challenge. Cousins, who’s already familiar with Kevin O’Connell’s system and has proven chemistry with Justin Jefferson, checks a lot of boxes.
He’d bring veteran leadership, scheme fluency, and - at this stage of his career - a more manageable price tag.
This wouldn’t necessarily spell the end of the McCarthy era in Minnesota. In fact, bringing Cousins back could be the ultimate litmus test.
If McCarthy can’t beat out a 37-year-old Cousins in camp, the Vikings would have a clearer sense of where their young quarterback stands. And if McCarthy does rise to the occasion, the team benefits from a solid insurance policy and a valuable mentor in the room.
So while we’re not saying it’s time to dust off the Kirko Chains just yet, Stefanski’s move to Atlanta doesn’t close the door on a Cousins-Vikings reunion. If anything, it keeps the door cracked - and with free agency looming, Minnesota could be in prime position to walk right through it.