The Minnesota Vikings watched Kirk Cousins walk out the door a year ago. Coming off a torn Achilles tendon, the head of the negotiation table got what he wanted from the Atlanta Falcons: a four-year, $180 million contract in free agency. The move seemed to end the quarterback’s polarizing tenure in Minnesota and ushered in a new era.
One year later, there seems to be something in the distance. Maybe the light is reflecting off Cousins’ legendary chains. Or it’s a signal flare for help after Atlanta benched him, replacing him with Michael Penix Jr. Whatever the reason, the Vikings need a backup quarterback. Cousins could be the answer thanks to his experience in Kevin O’Connell’s offense and the uncertainty surrounding J.J. McCarthy.
Cousins’ return to Minnesota isn’t as clear as we thought it would be last month, but the two sides may have some mutual interest. If they come together, it may be a situation of risk vs. reward, and the Vikings could wonder if it’s worth the cost.
The Cousins saga has taken many turns this offseason. When Penix took over last December, it appeared to be a formality that the Falcons would release a 36-year-old. However, they stubbornly held on to him, asking for something in return. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Monday that the Falcons want any team to take on $20 million of Cousins’ remaining guaranteed money in the deal, which sent many suitors looking elsewhere to solve their quarterback problem.
However, Schefter also listed that the Pittsburgh Steelers and Vikings are two teams interested in trading for Cousins and could be willing to throw down a solid chunk of cash and draft capital to make it happen.
There is a feeling around the league that a team, whether it is the Vikings or Steelers, might be willing to pay down roughly $10 million. How much any team would be willing to pay also would influence the compensation it gives up. The higher the payment, the lower the draft compensation it gives up. The lower the payment, the higher the draft compensation. The Falcons and Cousins, who has a no-trade clause, recognize their future is not together and how it will play out could very well be influenced by this draft.
The Steelers and Vikings have been linked in the Aaron Rodgers drama, but they make sense here. Pittsburgh is desperate for a quarterback, and it’s unclear how long they’re willing to wait out Rodgers. If the Steelers part with their $31 million in cap space to bring Cousins aboard, it could be the difference between heading to the playoffs and grinding out another Mike Tomlin 9-win special with Skylar Thompson and Mason Rudolph.
But there are reasons why the Vikings would also want to do this. Minnesota needs a backup quarterback, and the options are drying up. Rodgers put on the good-guy routine and offered to play for $10 million. Still, they could return to Cousins, who delivers comfort at the quarterback position like macaroni and cheese does for the soul.
That’s especially true in Minnesota’s quarterback situation. Although McCarthy is “full go,” according to Kevin O’Connell, Cousins would be the insurance plan to prevent this from turning into the 2023 season. He’d also be less volatile than Rodgers and already has plenty of connections in the locker room.
Looking around at the current options, Cousins might be the best fit. Ryan Tannehill didn’t play last season, and the team doesn’t appear interested in bringing Carson Wentz aboard. If Cousins wants to return, it could be the redemption arc people want to see. Then again, this could be a recipe for disaster.
Cousins’ no-trade clause may suggest he wants to be a starter somewhere and may not be interested in being a backup to McCarthy. He didn’t seem interested in that possibility when he left Minnesota in 2023. It’s hard to imagine he’s changed his tune, considering he could just stay and cash checks as Penix’s backup in Atlanta.
There’s also the court of public opinion. Vikings fans don’t have the longest leash when it comes to quarterbacks. There’s a contingent of fans out there who want Rodgers to come to Minnesota so they can chase a Super Bowl and make fun of their Green Bay Packers counterparts. Some of those same people may still secretly wish Cousins were still on the team.
What happens if Cousins comes in to be the backup if McCarthy struggles? Will fans turn on him and clamor for their chain-wearing savior to enter the game? Or will O’Connell ride it out with McCarthy, producing an awkward dynamic with a quarterback who helped him win 13 games during his first season with the team?
Ultimately, it might not be worth bringing Cousins in if he feels he has gas left in the tank. He will get his money anyway, and it may be worth letting another team make a desperate move and bail out an NFC rival.
It’s not comforting, but it may be the best move as the Vikings forge ahead with McCarthy next season.