The rumor mill has been churning with speculation that the Cincinnati Bengals and Minnesota Vikings might pursue a blockbuster trade for Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins. However, a new report has slammed the brakes on those whispers, revealing that neither team is willing to take on the massive financial and performance risks tied to the four-time Pro Bowler’s $180 million contract and his uncertain recovery from a serious injury.
Both the Bengals and Vikings find themselves in precarious situations as the 2025 NFL season unfolds. Cincinnati, boasting a promising 2-0 start and playoff ambitions, was dealt a devastating blow when star quarterback Joe Burrow underwent surgery for a torn ligament in his toe. The injury could sideline him until December, leaving the team reliant on backup Jake Browning, whose limited experience raises concerns about the Bengals’ ability to maintain their early momentum.
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Meanwhile, in Minnesota, rookie sensation JJ McCarthy is nursing a high ankle sprain that could keep him out for at least a month. With Carson Wentz as the Vikings’ backup, the team faces similar doubts about their quarterback depth. Naturally, both franchises have been linked to potential trade targets to bolster their rosters, with Kirk Cousins’ name frequently surfacing in discussions.
Cousins, now 37, was once a reliable force under center, but his stock has taken a hit in recent years. His 2023 season ended abruptly after Week 8 due to a torn Achilles tendon, a brutal injury for any athlete, let alone a quarterback approaching the twilight of his career. In 2024, Cousins struggled in his first 14 starts with the Atlanta Falcons, posting a 7-7 record, 3,508 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions, with a pedestrian 88.6 passer rating. His lackluster performance led to his demotion to QB2, fueling speculation about his future.
Despite his availability, a trade for Cousins seems increasingly unlikely. NFL insider James Palmer dropped a bombshell on the Scoop City podcast, revealing that “there are some people in the league that think Kirk Cousins is done.” This sentiment, combined with the financial burden of his four-year, $180 million contract, has cooled interest from potential suitors like the Bengals and Vikings.
The Falcons’ reluctance to trade Cousins stems from two key factors. First, Atlanta has shown little interest in moving him, likely due to his role as a veteran presence and the complexity of his contract. Second, any acquiring team would likely need to absorb a significant portion of his remaining salary—a tough pill to swallow for a player whose recent performance and injury history raise red flags.
For the Bengals and Vikings, the risks outweigh the rewards. Both teams are desperate for stability at quarterback, but Cousins’ age, coupled with doubts about his ability to return to Pro Bowl form post-Achilles injury, makes him a gamble not worth taking. As one league source put it, the combination of his “massive contract and uncertain recovery” is simply too much to justify a trade.
With Cousins off the table, the Bengals and Vikings must look elsewhere to address their quarterback woes. Cincinnati may lean on Browning to hold the fort until Burrow’s potential return, while Minnesota could explore other trade options or rely on Wentz to steady the ship. Both teams face an uphill battle to keep their playoff hopes alive, but chasing a fading star like Cousins no longer appears to be part of their game plan.