3<\/p>\n The Minnesota Vikings revealed that they aren’t purusing free agent star quarterback Aaron RodgersCredit: AP 3<\/p>\n Kevin O’Connell led the Vikings to a 14-3 record in 2024 before losing to the Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card round in the playoffsCredit: Getty<\/p>\n The Vikings shared their belief in 2024 first-round quarterback JJ McCarthy<\/a>, who missed last season due to a torn meniscus, to lead their offense for this upcoming season.<\/p>\n Minnesota also revealed that they aren’t looking to sign Rodgers, who’s still a free agent and is currently linked to the Pittsburgh Steelers<\/a>.<\/p>\n But on Monday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter mentioned<\/a> the Vikings and Steelers – both teams most commonly connected to Rodgers – when discussing the Atlanta Falcons<\/a> and Kirk Cousins<\/a>‘ future.<\/p>\n Schefter speculated that one of those two teams could trade for Cousins and added that the Falcons are allegedly asking teams to pay $20 million of the $45 million in guaranteed money left on his contract.<\/p>\n \u201cThere is a feeling around the league that a team, whether it is the Vikings or Steelers, might be willing to pay down roughly $10 million. How much any team would be willing to pay also would influence the compensation it gives up,” the ESPN insider wrote.<\/p>\n “How much any team would be willing to pay also would influence the compensation it gives up.<\/p>\n “The higher the payment, the lower the draft compensation; the lower the payment, the higher the draft compensation.<\/p>\n “The Falcons and Cousins, who has a no-trade clause, recognize their future is not together, and how it will play out could very well be influenced by this draft.”<\/p>\n Cousins lost his starting role to then-rookie Michael Penix in Week 15 after throwing a league-high 16 interceptions.<\/p>\n The 36-year-old had signed a four-year, $180 million contract last year, and now the two sides seem interested in parting ways.<\/p>\n Aaron Rodgers makes major announcement over Pittsburgh Steelers move after secret Mike Tomlin talks<\/p>\n The Cleveland Browns<\/a> have long been viewed as a favorite to trade for Cousins<\/a>.<\/p>\n The franchise has a need at the quarterback position as Deshaun Watson underwent surgery in January after re-rupturing his Achilles, and only signed Kenny Pickett.<\/p>\n Cousins can waive his no-trade clause, and has committed to the Falcons that he wants to spend the rest of his NFL<\/a> career as a starter.<\/p>\n The Browns, who went 3-14 last season, could give him that opportunity.<\/p>\n However, Cousins could prefer a better destination like the Steelers, who are coming off a 10-7 season and currently don’t have a starting quarterback option<\/a>.<\/p>\n And Cousins could also want to return to the Vikings, where he earned three Pro Bowl selections and ranks third in the team’s all-time passing yards list.<\/p>\n It would be all up to the Vikings, who reportedly are open to paying down $10 million to trade for Cousins, as well as a new contract for the veteran.<\/p>\n But it’s most likely better for both the Falcons and Cousins to put together a trade until after this week’s 2025 NFL Draft<\/a>.<\/p>\n The quarterback landscape will be clearer next week and beyond, as Cousins won’t be in a situation where he could be surprised by a team drafting a quarterback in the first round, just like the one he dealt with in Atlanta.<\/p>\n![\"Aaron](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/new-york-jets-quarterback-aaron-984066960.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Kevin](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/crop-13357847.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/KS_NFL-graphicstrophy_130225v2.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n
![\"Kirk](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/atlanta-quarterback-kirk-cousins-18-980984021.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n