There’s no doubt Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy struggled last season. He made 10 starts, completing 140-of-243 passes for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns, 12 interceptions and a 72.6 passer rating.
It was his first year as the team’s starter, replacing Sam Darnold, who had departed for the Seattle Seahawks last offseason. With the Vikings firing general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, it’s expected that the Vikings will bring in some new competition.
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In fact, Fox Sports’ Henry McKenna predicts that Minnesota will sign four-time Pro Bowler Kirk Cousins, who is set to be released by the Atlanta Falcons before the new league year begins on March 11.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9)Yannick Peterhans / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
(Yannick Peterhans / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
“If coach Kevin O’Connell had the choice between Aaron Rodgers and Cousins, it wouldn’t be an easy choice… Ultimately, the Vikings have to operate as if J.J. McCarthy isn’t the answer,” McKenna wrote. “And so I think they pounce on Cousins, the all-around safer pick (compared to Rodgers and McCarthy). Cousins will get O’Connell’s system humming again.”
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It’s a pairing that has been speculated for some time. CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan previously listed the Vikings as a potential landing spot for Cousins. He’s already familiar with the team, playing for Minnesota from 2018 to 2023. Two of those seasons (2022 and 2023) also came under O’Connell.
Cousins was serviceable for the Falcons last season. He appeared in 10 games, completing 166-of-269 passes for 1,721 yards, 10 touchdowns, five interceptions and an 84.8 passer rating.
Turning the offense around is a top priority for the Vikings. They finished 2025 ranked 26th in points per game (20.2). Cousins could be a cheap option, with Spotrac projecting the 37-year-old to sign a one-year, $10.7 million deal. Even if he doesn’t perform well, it adds a veteran presence alongside McCarthy, who is entering his third season.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.