Well, all the conjecture on Kirk Cousins potentially returning to Minnesota as a backup quarterback this season was fun while it lasted.
While several NFL analysts loved the idea of the Vikings targeting Cousins as a potential veteran mentor for first-year starter J.J. McCarthy, Cousins was present at the Falcons’ mandatory minicamp this week and made it crystal clear that he’s not focused on exiting what has become an awkward situation in Atlanta.
"We're moving forward," Cousins said, "and it's about how we as a team and as a quarterback room can be the best we can be in 2025."
Circumstances change all the time in the NFL, but Cousins’ presence at spring workouts paves a path to him starting the season with the Falcons as the backup to starter Michael Penix Jr.
The expected availability of Cousins has been a fun topic in Minnesota this offseason, as the team waited until Day 3 of the draft to add a backup quarterback. While rolling with McCarthy as the starter has always been the plan, the Vikings’ QB room of young journeyman Sam Howell, undrafted rookie Max Brosmer and fringe practice squander Brett Rypien leaves much to be desired.
Cousins would be a major upgrade over those three players, given his experience in Kevin O’Connell’s system throwing passes to the likes of Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson. His last shot at being a starter outside of Atlanta was sewn shut last week when the Pittsburgh Steelers officially signed Aaron Rodgers to a one-year deal. If not Atlanta, no destination makes more sense for Cousins than Minnesota.
The Vikings could still have serious interest in acquiring Cousins if McCarthy suffers another season-threatening injury, as Minnesota would be in serious trouble if Howell had to start games in 2025. For now, Cousins appears happy to collect a record sum of cash as one of the best backup QBs in the NFL to start the year.
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