There appeared to be a chance the Atlanta Falcons would retain Kirk Cousins after the hiring of Kevin Stefanski — however, their Minnesota Vikings ties are unlikely to overcome the business of the NFL.
The Athletic’s Jeff Howe and Josh Kendall reported on January 29 that, despite Stefanski helping Cousins put forth one of his best seasons and a 2020 playoff win as offensive coordinator for the Vikings, Cousins is still expected to be released.
“Quarterback Kirk Cousins has two years remaining on his contract but is expected to be released in early March after Atlanta restructured his contract so that he will be owed $68 million if he’s on the roster March 13,” The Athletic’s report reads. “Cousins could be released and then re-signed if he doesn’t find a better option elsewhere, and the Falcons are interested in bringing him back on a less-expensive contract.”
That prospect of returning to Atlanta may not have as much appeal for Cousins, considering he revealed that he felt “misled” when the Falcons drafted Michael Penix Jr. in the 2024 draft a month after signing him to a four-year, $180 million deal.
“I wasn’t expecting us to take a quarterback so high. At the time, it felt like I had been a little bit misled, or certainly if I had the information around free agency, it certainly would’ve affected my decision,” Cousins said last July on Netflix’s “Quarterback” docu-series. “I had no reason to leave Minnesota with how much we loved it there if both teams are going to be drafting a quarterback that high. But I’ve also learned in 12 years in this league that you’re not entitled to anything. It’s all about being able to earn your spot and prove yourself.”
This latest development opens the door for a potential return to Minnesota for Cousins.
Kirk Cousins Would Fulfill Vikings’ Vow to Add Competition to QB Room, JJ McCarthy
The main takeaway from the Vikings’ end-of-season news conference was that the organization is in lockstep about improving the quarterback room after the sole bet on J.J. McCarthy bust last season.
However, that wasn’t a bet the Vikings were entirely locked into making, but rather one they were forced to make.
While Sam Darnold‘s departure was a forgone conclusion, the Vikings were confident they would retain Daniel Jones to pair with McCarthy in a similar role Darnold had a year prior.
That confidence proved to be blind faith, as Jones bet on himself and won the starting with the Indianapolis Colts.
From there, it was damage control: a Day 3 draft trade for Sam Howell; a subsequent fold on Howell by trading him to the Philadelphia Eagles after the preseason; and the eventual signing of Carson Wentz off the street a few weeks before the 2025 season opener.
While the Vikings must be aggressive in finding a proven veteran to pair with McCarthy this time around, the Cousins reunion has intrigue with his expressed remorse about leaving.
Vikings, Kirk Cousins Reunion Opens More QB Options
When picturing the complexion of the Vikings’ quarterback room for 2026, there is a need for a proven veteran who can be a mentor or take the starting reins and execute.
Mac Jones is a buzzworthy name for that position but would cost valuable draft capital to acquire.
If Cousins could play that role for the Vikings, they could take a chance on another young quarterback by trade or free agency as a future contingency to McCarthy.
Kirk Cousins Gets Dire Career Update Amid Vikings QB Search