Report: Minnesota Vikings Involved in Kirk Cousins Trade Talks… but Not Really

The Minnesota Vikings are set to roll out J.J. McCarthy as their starting quarterback this season, something they’ve made pretty clear the last couple months both vocally and in their actions.

As we stand now, with less than 36 hours remaining until the 2025 NFL Draft, the only other quarterback on roster other than McCarthy is Brett Rypien. Sure, the Vikings like Rypien more than most realize, but at this point in his career, the 28-year-old is not qualified to backup a redshirt rookie coming off major knee surgery.

At some point, the Minnesota Vikings are expected to sign or trade for another veteran to complete the 2025 QB room. And when they do, a few different options are out there for them. Recently, by far the most intriguing quarterback connected to the Vikings has been Kirk Cousins, their former starter for six seasons.

The Atlanta Falcons signed Kirk Cousins for $150 million, then benched him six months later. Now, the veteran wants out and the Falcons finally seem ready to facilitate his exit. One team reportedly interested is the Vikings.

Kirk Cousins return to Minnesota unlikely

But Wednesday morning, NFL Insider Dianna Russini (The Athletic) poured cold water on the Cousins back to Minnesota rumors. Sure, the Vikings are one of three teams talking with the Falcons. According to Russini, however, they’re by far the least likely to actually land him. Why? Because (shocker), he wants to start.

“The Browns, Steelers and possibly Vikings could be involved in a Cousins trade. Minnesota is looked at as the least likely scenario, given its preference for J.J. McCarthy and that Cousins would need to sign off on any trade he is involved in. It’s believed that Cousins would be against any trade that involves sending him to a situation involving a young QB, similar to the situation he faced in Atlanta last year. If a trade were to happen, I’d expect it to go down on Saturday.”

Dianna Russini – The Athletic

In Cleveland, Deshaun Watson is still recovering from a setback to his torn achilles. Even before that injury, he was horrible. Currently, Joe Flacco is in line to take first team reps for the Browns. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh may be sick of waiting for Aaron Rodgers. If Cousins landed with the Steelers, he’d immediately slot in as their QB1.

Related: Offseason Workouts Start with Updates on JJ McCarthy, Darrisaw, Others

In a perfect world, Cousins would be a great QB2 fit for the MN Vikings. He’s very familiar with Kevin O’Connell’s system, he’s played 88 games across six seasons in purple… and he’d come in on the cheap (for once). Most importantly, if forced into action, you could trust him.

If Minnesota Vikings are out on Cousins… now what?

Unfortunately, reality is not in a vacuum where the only benefactor that matters are the Vikings. There’s a lot more in play, including the wants and needs of Kirk Cousins, who isn’t ready to take the clipboard behind some 23-year-old unproven kid.

Per NFL League source… On this very first day of Falcons voluntary workouts… Quarterback Kirk Cousins is with the team.

— Zach Klein (@ZachKleinWSB) April 22, 2025

Last season, the now 36-year-old Cousins started 14 games for the Falcons and compiled a 7-7 record. He threw for 3,508 yards with a 66.9% completion percentage. His 18 touchdowns were overshadowed by a league-leading 16 interceptions. Ultimately he was replaced by rookie Michael Penix Jr.

So, it probably won’t be Kirk. Still, the Minnesota Vikings will have to find a competent backup QB eventually. The free agent market is largely picked over. Remaining options include a busted down and broken Carson Wentz or Ryan Tannehill. They still haven’t totally closed the door on Aaron Rodgers, but he wouldn’t be coming in as a backup.

Related: Vikings Free Agent DB Reportedly Flirting with Another Former Team

The other name that’s been mentioned in QB trade chatter involving the Minnesota Vikings is Seahawks’ current QB3, Sam Howell. If that’s the plan, we could see something take place as soon as this week, around the NFL Draft, where the Vikings currently hold just four total picks.