After witnessing J.J. McCarthy go through the typical struggles of a young quarterback, the Minnesota Vikings are expected to add another arm this offseason. The question is, who?
New Vikings general manager Rob Brzezinski will surely add to a QB room that only features McCarthy and 2024 undrafted rookie Max Brosmer. But, will it be someone who can kick McCarthy out of the driver’s seat? Or will it be another veteran like Carson Wentz who can help push the 23-year-old QB, but not necessarily steal his starting job without another injury?
The answer may be a little bit of both.
According to Jason La Canfora of Sports Boom, “there is now a growing sentiment among NFL executives in the market for quarterbacks that Cousins could very well end up back with the Vikings.”
“Cousins went to the playoffs in Minnesota with coach Kevin O’Connell, it’s well known around the NFL how well those two worked together and it’s no secret in scouting circles that the Vikings are already looking for real quarterback competition with former first-round pick JJ McCarthy struggling mightily in many aspects, with injuries, consistency, accuracy and decision-making, through two NFL season. And while there has been some conjecture about Cousins’s status, team sources who have reviewed his reworked contract said there is an $80M poison pill that kicks in on March 13 if Cousins is still on Atlanta’s roster.”
Jason La Canfora on Kirk Cousins/Minnesota Vikings
A Vikings reunion with Cousins certainly makes a lot of sense from the team’s perspective. He already knows the offense, he’s a great presence in the locker room, and he’ll help show McCarthy what it takes to prepare for his next opponent each week.
Thus, if the Vikings can land the four-time Pro Bowl QB at the right price, he could very well end up back in Minnesota again. The question then becomes, will it be as a starter, or as McCarthy’s top backup?
Related: Minnesota Vikings Insider Strongly Suggests Specific Pro Bowl QB Trade
