Time to restart the Kirk Cousins speculation
The Minnesota Vikings head into the 2026 offseason with the clear goal of stabilizing their quarterback room after a disappointing 2025 campaign. While he is the head coach Kevin O’Connell remains committed to JJ McCarthy’s developmentthe team’s lack of depth was exposed when the young starter missed seven games due to recurring health issues.
With McCarthy out, undrafted rookie Max Brosmer struggled to keep the offense going, leading to a frustrating losing streak. Although McCarthy showed signs of growth in the final month of the season by scoring five touchdowns in the last four games, his durability remains a major concern for the organization.
Accordingly, reports from the New York Times indicate that the Vikings are determined to add a competent veteran this March to provide both mentorship and insurance for their former first-round pick.
One of the most compelling options for Minnesota is a potential reunion with Kirk Cousins.
The veteran quarterback is currently with the Atlanta Falcons, but his future there has become uncertain after a strategic change to his contract.
Cousins and the Falcons adjusted the final two years of his contract, significantly reducing his 2026 salary while moving $32.9 million into his 2027 base salary.
This change means that if Cousins remains on Atlanta’s roster after March 13the team will be on the hook for a total of $67.9 million in 2027.
Because of this huge financial commitment, industry insiders expect the Falcons to release the 37-year-old before the new league year begins.
This would allow Cousins to re-enter free agency and seek a starting opportunity elsewhere.
The connection between Cousins and the Vikings remains strong, as he has previous working relationships with both Kevin O’Connell and new Atlanta coach Kevin Stefanski.
While Stefanski served as Cousins’ offensive coordinator in Minnesota, the Vikings’ current need for a reliable veteran makes them a natural destination for the four-time Pro Bowler.
As the March 13 deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Atlanta to see if Cousins becomes the solution to Minnesota’s quarterback dilemma.
2026-02-08 15:28:00
