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Former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins is getting a “hard no” from an official team reporter after being linked to one NFL team.
Former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins is in the news during the NFL free agency period, since his latest team, the Atlanta Falcons, let him walk during the 2026-27 NFL season. Now, Cousins is one of the most in-demand free agent quarterbacks on the market, although he’s also one of the most expensive.
During his 2025-26 season with the Atlanta Falcons, Cousins clocked 1,721 passing yards, 10 passing touchdowns and five interceptions with a 61.7 percent completion rate and an 84.8 passer rating, according to research from ESPN, in 10 NFL games. Even if he’s not at his peak, that really doesn’t matter, because his numbers are strong.
Cousins and the Vikings parted ways after their run together from 2018 to 2023. During the NFL offseason, he’s been linked to a bevy of teams, including the Vikings, but he’s getting a “hard no” from one of them, or at least from the team’s official reporter.
Former Minnesota Vikings Quarterback Kirk Cousins May Not Land With One Team That Was Reportedly Interested in Him
Cousins has been linked to the Pittsburgh Steelers, since that team is in flux and waiting to see if Aaron Rodgers come back for another season. But, Steelers beat reporter Bob Labriola of the team’s official website isn’t having it.
In a “mail bag” segment, Labriola was asked by a reader, “In your opinion, Kirk Cousins or Aaron Rodgers?” His answer was, “I am a hard-no on Kirk Cousins.”
Well, if Cousins ends up at the Steelers, Labriola will have to live with it. But, he’s making his views clear on the veteran quarterback.
Ex-Minnesota Vikings Quarterback Kirk Cousins Could Land With Another Team
Cousins was first drafted by the Washington Redskins, now the Commanders, in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL draft as the 102nd overall pick out of Michigan State University. His latest deal was signing with Atlanta in a four-year, $180 million contract, according to Spotrac research.
In a Tuesday, March 24 feature for The Athletic, Matt Schneidman says that he could see Cousins with the Green Bay Packers for the 2026-27 season.
“It’s a 365-day exercise for Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst and his 31 counterparts around the league, even as the 2026 draft sits less than one month away,” he states in the feature. “While most marquee names have found homes, new or old, there is plenty of quality still on the open market with NFL executives and coaches set to descend upon Phoenix, Ariz., next week for the league’s annual meeting.”
He notes that the Packers could use a big-named talent such as Cousins backing Love. “Aaron Rodgers, Jordan Love and Malik Willis have all been backup quarterbacks for the Packers,” he explains. “All three could be starting in the NFL come September. Green Bay really values the position, which might make it unlikely that Desmond Ridder or Kyle McCord — the only other quarterbacks on the roster besides Love — are in the No. 2 role come Week 1.”
Of course, Cousins could always come back to the Minnesota Vikings. But, all signs point to him going to a different franchise.
Anne Erickson is an award-winning reporter for Heavy Sports covering the NFL, NBA and college football. Anne Erickson has years of experience covering the NFL and additional sports, and her work has been published via ESPN, Fox Sports and more. She has interviewed some of the biggest names in sports, including Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff. Erickson also hosts several podcasts and is a Detroit-based radio host. More about Anne Erickson
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