RUMORS: Recently, there have been multiple reports suggesting that the Minnesota Vikings could bring back veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, who is currently with the Atlanta Falcons.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, a realistic scenario is that the Vikings might wait until after the NFL Draft to negotiate a deal with the Falcons, bringing Cousins back as a backup option for rookie J.J. McCarthy, who is still recovering from an injury. (si.com)

Cousins, 36, signed a four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons in 2024 but lost the starting role to rookie Michael Penix Jr. Currently, the Falcons are looking to trade Cousins, asking teams to absorb part of the remaining $45 million on his contract. The Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly willing to pay about $10 million each. (the-sun.com)

However, the trade still faces major hurdles. Cousins has a no-trade clause in his contract and would only agree to leave if guaranteed a starting position. He has expressed a strong desire to continue as a starting quarterback, which could make him reluctant to return to Minnesota as a backup behind McCarthy. (nypost.com)

Nonetheless, Cousins’ recent participation in the Falcons’ first voluntary workout session shows that he remains professional while awaiting the next move. (reuters.com)

In short, the possibility of Cousins returning to Minnesota remains open. The Vikings are searching for a reliable backup quarterback, and if the Falcons lower their financial demands, a deal could be struck after the NFL Draft. However, it all hinges on whether Cousins is willing to accept a backup role.