The Minnesota Vikings are heading into a critical offseason, and the quarterback room is front and center in that conversation. After a 2025 campaign that left more questions than answers under center, it’s clear the Vikings need to make a move-one that stabilizes the position and creates real competition.
J.J. McCarthy, the former first-round pick, finally saw the field in 2025 after missing his entire rookie season with a knee injury.
And while there were flashes of potential, the overall body of work wasn’t what Minnesota needed. In ten starts, McCarthy threw 11 touchdowns against 12 interceptions-numbers that paint the picture of a young quarterback still figuring things out at the NFL level.
That’s not unusual for a second-year player coming off injury, but it does underscore the need for a veteran presence in the room.
Enter Kirk Cousins.
A reunion between Cousins and the Vikings makes a lot of sense. He’s familiar with the organization, comfortable in Kevin O’Connell’s offensive system, and-even at age 37-still capable of playing winning football. From 2018 to 2023, Cousins delivered some of the best seasons of his career in Minnesota, and there’s a reason he remains a respected figure in that locker room.
Cousins is expected to be released by the Atlanta Falcons before free agency opens, just two years after signing a massive $180 million deal in 2024. If that happens, Minnesota should be ready to pounce.
He’s no longer a top-tier starter, but he doesn’t need to be. What the Vikings need is a steady hand-someone who can push McCarthy, mentor him, and step in if things go sideways again in 2026.
In limited action last season, Cousins still showed he has something left in the tank. He went 5-3 as a starter for the Falcons, throwing 10 touchdowns to just five interceptions.
That’s not elite production, but it’s more than serviceable-especially when you consider the context of a new system and a roster in flux. He’s not just a clipboard holder.
He’s a competitor.
And the financials work. Minnesota is sitting $40 million under the salary cap and isn’t expected to be big spenders this offseason. Cousins won’t command anything close to his previous contract, making him an affordable option who brings far more value than his price tag might suggest.
The bottom line? Bringing Cousins back isn’t just about nostalgia-it’s about giving McCarthy real competition and the team a safety net. This is a make-or-break year for the young quarterback, and nothing accelerates development like having a proven veteran breathing down your neck.
For the Vikings, this is a rare win-win scenario. Cousins gets a soft landing in a familiar place.
McCarthy gets the push he needs. And Minnesota gets closer to solving the most important position on the field.
If Cousins hits the open market, the Vikings should be first in line.