Getty
Kirk Cousins #18 of the Atlanta Falcons looks on after the game against the Los Angeles Rams.
The Minnesota Vikings enter the 2026 offseason rife with questions on their roster, but none more pressing than at quarterback. J.J. McCarthy has had an uneven start to his career, sparking speculation that the Vikings could reunite with Kirk Cousins in reaction.
They face significant hurdles, though, with financial constraints and his being under contract with the Atlanta Falcons for two more years.
There was an equally noteworthy development on one of those fronts on Tuesday.
Former Vikings QB Kirk Cousins Set for New Phase
GettyKirk Cousins #18 of the Atlanta Falcons speaks with reporters.
NFL and team officials, including the Vikings’, are in Indianapolis for the 2026 scouting combine, and news of Cousins’ future made the rounds ahead of highly anticipated press conferences from coaches and executives.
Cousins spent six seasons with the Vikings before signing with theFalcons in free agency during the 2024 offseason.
On Tuesday, Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham cleared a path for Cousins’ return.
“I did talk to Kirk and his representation, Mike McCartney, letting them know that we will release him on the first day of the league year,” Cunningham told reporters on February 24. “Just felt that that was out of respect for Kirk and Mike, his agent, and what he’s done in his career, just to–I owe that to him. We owe that to him, to allow him some clarity going into free agency.”
Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons. Atlanta, in turn, drafted Michael Penix in the first round of the 2024 draft, much to the veteran’s chagrin.
Cousins’ exit from Minnesota was partly fueled by the Vikings’ interest in drafting a QB.
Two seasons later, both Cousins and the Vikings–with whom he earned three of his four Pro Bowls–could be what is best for one another. He is seeking another opportunity to start. At the very least, the Vikings need and are planning to bring in competition for McCarthy.
Their extenuating circumstances appear to have Cousins on a fast track back to the Vikings and vice versa.
Falcons Telegraphed Kirk Cousins Decision
GettyKirk Cousins #18 of the Atlanta Falcons waves to fans after facing the New Orleans Saints.
The Vikings all but had a heads-up that the Falcons would be moving on from Cousins this offseason. That is thanks in large part to an adjustment Atlanta made to the 37-year-old’s (38 in August) contract earlier this year.
“The most significant item of business early this week was a restructuring of quarterback Kirk Cousins’ contract that gives the team more financial flexibility this spring and allows Cousins to essentially advertise to the rest of the league — or anyone interested in his services — that he will be a free agent by March 12,” The Athletic’s Josh Kendall and Jeff Howe wrote in an article in January.
“Atlanta converted Cousins’ 2026 salary from $35 million to $2.1 million, according to a league source, moving the leftover $32.9 million to his 2027 base salary, making his base salary for that season $67.9 million. The move essentially guarantees Cousins will be released before March 13 because that entire $67.9 million would be due to him if he’s still on the roster then.”
The Vikings must still clear space for Cousins. That is even if the former Washington fourth-round draft pick (2012) signs his next contract at a bargain rate.
However, the Vikings now have further confirmation that Cousins will be an option.
Josh Buckhalter covers the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com. He has covered both leagues since 2016, including bylines at FanSided, Last Word on Sports and Clocker Sports. He’s based in Villa Park, Illinois. Follow Josh on Twitter and Instagram: @JoshGBuck More about Josh Buckhalter
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