The future of Kirk Cousins, former Minnesota Vikings quarterback, has become a focal point in the 2025 NFL season, with recent developments stirring up fans. After leaving the Vikings to sign a lucrative $180 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024, Cousins now faces an unexpected career crossroads, and the name Aaron Rodgers—the figure loathed by Vikings fans—has once again emerged as a factor manipulating his fate.
Kirk Cousins’ Journey: From Vikings to Falcons
Kirk Cousins spent six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, leaving a mark with 23,265 passing yards, 171 touchdowns, and only 55 interceptions in 88 games. He led the team to the playoffs twice and earned three Pro Bowl selections. However, after a serious Achilles injury in 2023 and the arrival of J.J. McCarthy—the Vikings’ new hope—the team opted not to extend Cousins’ contract, instead placing their trust in Sam Darnold and McCarthy for the future.
Cousins quickly found a new home with the Atlanta Falcons, signing a 4-year, $180 million deal with $100 million guaranteed and a no-trade clause. However, things didn’t go as planned. The Falcons shocked the NFL by drafting Michael Penix Jr. with the 8th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, creating unexpected competition for the starting quarterback role. Cousins’ performance in Atlanta was inconsistent post-injury, with 3,508 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions in 14 games. As a result, he was benched in favor of Penix Jr. late in the 2024 season.
Aaron Rodgers: The “Arch-Nemesis” of Vikings Fans
Aaron Rodgers, formerly of the Green Bay Packers and New York Jets, has long been a thorn in the side of Vikings fans. With a storied career, including four MVP awards and countless victories over the Vikings in NFC North matchups, Rodgers has always been a target of animosity. In the 2025 season, Rodgers became a free agent after leaving the Jets, and his future remains uncertain. The Pittsburgh Steelers and even the Minnesota Vikings are reportedly considering signing him.
What infuriates Vikings fans most is that Rodgers appears to be directly influencing Cousins’ future. Reports suggest the Steelers are the only viable destination left for Cousins after being demoted in Atlanta. However, if Rodgers chooses to join the Steelers, Cousins’ opportunity there would vanish, forcing him to remain a backup in Atlanta or seek a role elsewhere—a grim prospect given his hefty contract and no-trade clause.
Vikings Fans’ Sentiments
Vikings fans, long accustomed to despising Rodgers, now see his name once again interfering with the fate of their former favorite quarterback. Some fans even trolled Cousins during his return to Minnesota in Week 14 of the 2024 season, holding up signs mocking him, much like they did with Brett Favre in the past. However, others believe Cousins, who maintained a good relationship with head coach Kevin O’Connell and made significant contributions to the team, deserves a return to the Vikings over Rodgers. Notably, star receiver Justin Jefferson, who recorded 5,899 receiving yards and 30 touchdowns from Cousins’ passes, is said to support his potential comeback.
Could Cousins Return to the Vikings?
Amid rumors that the Vikings are considering bringing Cousins back as a backup for J.J. McCarthy, this possibility seems increasingly plausible as other free-agent quarterbacks like Joe Flacco have found new teams. However, the idea of Cousins returning is controversial. Some argue that having a former star quarterback like Cousins on the roster could create unnecessary pressure on McCarthy, especially if he struggles in his rookie season.
On the other hand, the mere suggestion of the Vikings pursuing Rodgers has sparked outrage among fans. Former Vikings GM Jeff Diamond predicts the team might opt for a safer choice like Ryan Tannehill over Cousins or Rodgers. But with Rodgers yet to make a final decision, Cousins’ future remains in limbo, hanging on the whims of the Vikings’ longtime rival.
Conclusion
Kirk Cousins’ future is caught in a complex web, where Aaron Rodgers’ decision could determine whether he gets a fresh start in Pittsburgh or remains stuck as a backup in Atlanta. For Vikings fans, the idea of Rodgers once again “manipulating” Cousins’ fate is unbearable. Will Cousins reclaim his former glory, or will he continue to be overshadowed by Rodgers’ influence? Only time will tell.