The NFL offseason has been a whirlwind of quarterback moves, with nearly every team securing a signal-caller they believe in for the short or long term. However, the New Orleans Saints stand out as the glaring exception, left reeling after Derek Carr’s sudden retirement due to a shoulder injury. Scrambling to fill the void, the Saints are now reportedly eyeing a blockbuster trade for a veteran quarterback, but they aren’t alone. The Minnesota Vikings, despite high hopes for last year’s first-round pick J.J. McCarthy, could also be in the mix for a stunning reunion. Could these two teams be ready to gamble big on an expensive veteran?
Kirk Cousins: A $180 Million Trade Candidate?
After an Achilles injury cut short his final season with the Vikings, Kirk Cousins inked a massive four-year, $180 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons. But his debut season in Atlanta fell flat, paving the way for rookie Michael Penix Jr. to claim the starting role. Now relegated to the backup spot, Cousins has become the subject of trade rumors, with Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox pointing to Minnesota and New Orleans as prime destinations for the veteran quarterback.
For the Saints, the need is dire. Carr’s unexpected exit left them with a quarterback competition featuring Jake Haener, Spencer Rattler, and second-round rookie Tyler Shough—none of whom scream “franchise quarterback.” Without a clear starter, New Orleans is desperate for a proven arm to stabilize their offense.
Meanwhile, the Vikings are banking on J.J. McCarthy to take the reins after Sam Darnold’s surprising 2024 campaign, which saw him lead Minnesota to 14 wins with the fifth-most passing yards and touchdowns in the league. Head coach Kevin O’Connell, who coached Cousins during his first two seasons in Minnesota, remains confident in McCarthy’s potential. However, Knox suggests that if McCarthy isn’t ready by the end of training camp, O’Connell might consider a reunion with Cousins, who guided the Vikings to a 13-win season and a playoff berth in 2022 before falling to the New York Giants in the Wild Card round.
Why the Saints Are the More Likely Suitor
While both teams have reasons to pursue Cousins, the Saints appear to be the more desperate of the two. Their quarterback room lacks a clear leader, and their offensive weapons pale in comparison to Minnesota’s dynamic duo of Jordan Addison and Justin Jefferson. Without a reliable starter, New Orleans risks squandering a season in a competitive NFC South.
If “threading the needle” was a throw…
It’s this Kirk Cousins to Adam Thielen TD 🪡 pic.twitter.com/7owYBHk7kU
— NFL (@NFL) June 16, 2025
The Vikings, on the other hand, have a stronger foundation. McCarthy, a first-round talent, represents their long-term vision, and O’Connell’s public endorsement suggests they’re not ready to abandon the experiment before it begins. Bringing back Cousins could signal a lack of faith in McCarthy, a risky move for a team coming off a 14-win season.
A High-Stakes Gamble
A trade for Cousins would be a bold move for either team. His $180 million contract is a hefty price tag, and his recent injury history and lackluster performance in Atlanta raise questions about his value. Yet, his experience and familiarity with O’Connell’s system could make him a plug-and-play option for the Vikings, while the Saints might see him as the missing piece to salvage their season.
As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on these two teams. Will the Saints roll the dice on Cousins to fill their quarterback void? Or could the Vikings shock the NFL with a reunion if McCarthy stumbles? One thing is certain: a move for Cousins would send shockwaves through the league, making it one of the most dramatic storylines of the 2025 offseason.