With training camp just a month away, the Minnesota Vikings are poised to make waves in the NFL quarterback market. As rookies and quarterbacks report on July 21, 2025, and the full roster joins by July 22, the team is evaluating its options behind rookie starter J.J. McCarthy. Discussions on the June 20, 2025, SKOR North podcast hosted by Judd Zulgad and Phil Mackey highlighted the possibility of a blockbuster trade or free-agent signing before the regular season kicks off against the Chicago Bears on September 8, 2025, at Soldier Field.
Zulgad expressed skepticism about a move before camp but noted that training camp performance could force the Vikings’ hand, particularly at the quarterback position. “I think training camp will dictate some things,” Zulgad said. “I’ll go back to Sam Howell. If Sam Howell craps out in training camp, I don’t know that they’re going to just sort of hold their breath and hope that J.J. [McCarthy] does not get hurt.”
The Vikings acquired Howell from the Seattle Seahawks in a draft pick swap, dropping from No. 142 to No. 172 in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Howell, entering his fourth season with 22 touchdowns and 23 interceptions, was a low-cost addition but must prove he’s a reliable QB2 behind McCarthy. Meanwhile, McCarthy needs to demonstrate he can stay healthy and secure the QB1 role, or Minnesota may look elsewhere for stability.
Enter Kirk Cousins, the former Vikings starter who could be the answer. Currently with the Atlanta Falcons, Cousins is on the trade block after signing a $180 million contract in 2024, with $100 million guaranteed. Atlanta owes him $27.5 million for 2025 and is open to trading him for a modest draft pick, with a new team potentially covering as little as $10 million of his salary. Multiple ESPN reporters recently pitched a reunion between Cousins and the Vikings, citing his familiarity with head coach Kevin O’Connell’s system.
Cousins, who turns 37 in August, spent six years with Minnesota, earning three Pro Bowl nods, two playoff appearances, and amassing over 23,000 passing yards with 171 touchdowns. In 2022, under O’Connell, he threw for 4,547 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions, leading the Vikings to the playoffs. His experience makes him an ideal insurance policy for the 22-year-old McCarthy, far surpassing Howell’s reliability.
The Vikings attempted to retain veteran quarterbacks Sam Darnold or Daniel Jones this offseason for a similar role, but both secured starting opportunities elsewhere. With Cousins as the best available QB2 option, Minnesota remains a viable trade partner unless McCarthy and Howell prove otherwise in camp. As the Vikings prepare for a pivotal season, a shocking move for their former $100 million quarterback could reshape their roster and solidify their playoff aspirations.