As the 2025 NFL trade deadline frenzy kicks into high gear, one name keeps circling back to his old team: Kirk Cousins. With the Atlanta Falcons struggling to find their offensive rhythm and the Minnesota Vikings facing uncertainty at quarterback, the idea of a reunion has sparked widespread speculation. However, despite all the noise, insiders from both teams maintain that a deal is not in the works.
Why Are Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota Vikings Linked Again?
Kirk Cousins
Dec 22, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) warms up on the field prior to the game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Vikings’ front office has been active ahead of the deadline, but not in pursuit of a major quarterback trade. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has been “working on the phones,” but his focus has been on adding depth at other positions and potentially acquiring future draft picks. Pelissero was direct in stating that Minnesota is not looking to bring Cousins back.
“In terms of the big swing moves, I don’t see them going out and making a massive type of acquisition,” Pelissero reported. “Right now, I don’t believe they’re going to go out and get Kirk Cousins and try to have him ride back in, even though I believe he’d be open to coming back, even as the No. 2.”
That perspective aligns with a report from Joe Nelson of Sports Illustrated, who noted that while the Vikings are “monitoring veteran quarterbacks,” the coaching staff has confidence in the current group. The quarterback room includes J.J. McCarthy, Max Brosmer, and John Wolford. Head coach Kevin O’Connell said Monday that he feels “comfortable” with his quarterbacks and only intends to elevate Wolford from the practice squad to gain an advantage with the emergency quarterback rule.
From Minnesota’s point of view, the strategy is centered on long-term development. The organization wants to nurture McCarthy’s growth and address other roster needs, like defensive edge and cornerback depth, rather than execute an expensive and disruptive reunion. CBS Sports insider Jonathan Jones confirmed this, adding that if the Vikings do make a move at quarterback, it would likely be a minor trade for a low-cost veteran who would not challenge McCarthy’s standing as the starter.
Meanwhile, in Atlanta, the stance is even clearer. FanSided’s Blogging Dirty reports that the Falcons have no plans to trade Cousins, even with their recent losing streak. His Week 8 performance against the Dolphins, where he threw for 173 yards in a game where the team scored just 10 points, certainly didn’t boost his trade value. Furthermore, Cousins’ massive cap hits of $57.5 million in both 2026 and 2027 make any potential trade financially unfeasible for another team to absorb.
Ultimately, both teams appear committed to their separate paths. While the Vikings are focused on building around their young quarterback for a potential postseason run, the Falcons are quietly working to resolve their internal issues without trading away their starting signal-caller.