Cousins to the Rescue? Why the Vikings Should Consider Trading for Kirk Amid McCarthy’s Early Struggles

The Minnesota Vikings’ 2025 season has been a rollercoaster, to say the least. After a Week 1 comeback victory against the Chicago Bears, fueled by a stellar fourth quarter from rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, the team came crashing back down to earth in Week 2, suffering a 22-6 defeat at the hands of the Atlanta Falcons. Now, with McCarthy sidelined due to an ankle sprain, questions are swirling about the Vikings’ quarterback situation and whether a familiar face could provide the answer: Kirk Cousins.

McCarthy’s Rocky Start

The Vikings invested heavily in McCarthy, selecting him in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft with the hope that he would become their franchise quarterback. However, his first two starts have been a mixed bag. While he showed flashes of potential against the Bears, leading a game-winning drive, he struggled mightily against the Falcons, completing just 11 of 21 passes for 158 yards with two interceptions and a dismal 37.5 passer rating. He was also sacked six times, highlighting concerns about the Vikings’ offensive line and McCarthy’s ability to handle pressure.

Adding to the Vikings’ woes, McCarthy suffered an ankle sprain late in the Week 2 loss and is unlikely to play in Week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals. This injury throws another wrench into the Vikings’ plans and raises questions about McCarthy’s durability and readiness to lead the team.

The Case for Kirk Cousins

Enter Kirk Cousins. The veteran quarterback spent six seasons with the Vikings (2018-2023), during which he put up impressive numbers and led the team to two playoff appearances. However, he ultimately left in free agency in 2024, signing a lucrative four-year, $180 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons.

But things haven’t exactly gone according to plan for Cousins in Atlanta. After a decent first half of the 2024 season, his performance declined, and he was eventually benched in favor of second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Now, Cousins finds himself as the Falcons’ backup, watching from the sidelines as Penix leads the team.

With McCarthy injured and his early struggles raising concerns, some are suggesting that the Vikings should consider trading for Cousins. Former NFL executive Joe Banner even took to social media, urging the Vikings to reunite with their former quarterback.

Why a Trade Could Make Sense

Several factors could make a Cousins-to-Vikings trade a viable option:

Familiarity with the System: Cousins already knows Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell’s offensive system, having played under him for several years. This would allow him to step in and contribute immediately, without the need for a lengthy learning period.
Proven Production: Despite his struggles in Atlanta, Cousins has a proven track record of success in the NFL. He has thrown for over 3,000 yards in eight of his ten seasons as a starter and has a career passer rating of 95.6.
Leadership and Experience: Cousins is a respected leader and a seasoned veteran. His presence in the locker room could provide valuable guidance and stability for the Vikings’ young players, particularly McCarthy.
Vikings are familiar with Cousins: The Vikings re-acquired WR Adam Thielen from the Carolina Panthers before the season. He was Cousins’ top target during the QB’s first season with the Vikings. Thielen played alongside Jefferson (a 2020 first-round pick) until signing with Carolina in 2023. The Vikings finished second in the NFC North twice, won the division once, and earned two playoff berths with a Cousins and Thielen duo.

Potential Obstacles

Despite the potential benefits, a Cousins-to-Vikings trade also faces some obstacles:

Cousins’ Contract: Cousins’ massive contract would be a significant financial commitment for the Vikings. They would need to find a way to make the numbers work under the salary cap.
Falcons’ Willingness: It’s unclear whether the Falcons would be willing to trade Cousins, especially to a division rival. They may prefer to keep him as a backup in case Penix gets injured.
McCarthy’s Future: Trading for Cousins could send the wrong message to McCarthy and potentially stunt his development. The Vikings would need to carefully consider the impact on their young quarterback’s confidence and future.
Cousins has a no-trade clause: Cousins has a no-trade clause and could just veto any move.

The Dak Prescott Factor

While the Vikings are pondering their quarterback situation, the Dallas Cowboys are dealing with their own set of questions under center. Dak Prescott, the Cowboys’ franchise quarterback, is coming off a hamstring injury that sidelined him for a significant portion of the 2024 season. While Prescott has shown flashes of brilliance, leading the Cowboys to a 40-37 overtime victory against the New York Giants in Week 2, he has also been inconsistent at times.

The Cowboys have invested in backup quarterback Joe Milton III, trading for him in the offseason. However, Milton is still a developmental prospect, and it remains to be seen whether he can be a reliable backup if Prescott were to get injured again.

The Verdict

The decision of whether or not to trade for Kirk Cousins is a complex one for the Vikings. While Cousins could provide a short-term boost and a steady presence under center, the move could also have long-term implications for McCarthy’s development and the team’s salary cap situation.

Ultimately, the Vikings will need to weigh the potential benefits against the risks and make a decision that they believe is in the best interest of the team’s future. With McCarthy sidelined and the Vikings’ playoff hopes hanging in the balance, the pressure is on to find a solution at quarterback, and a familiar face like Kirk Cousins could be the answer.