Minneapolis, MN – A surprising move is stirring heated discussions in the NFL world as the Minnesota Vikings are reportedly considering a bold trade with the Atlanta Falcons. According to ESPN, the Vikings are prepared to send backup quarterback Sam Howell along with cash considerations to bring back former team captain Kirk Cousins, who spent six seasons with the franchise. If finalized, this trade would mark a significant turning point in the Vikings’ roster-building strategy for the 2025 season.
Trade Background
Kirk Cousins, currently playing for the Atlanta Falcons with a $27.5 million salary for the 2025 season, was a cornerstone for the Vikings from 2018 to 2023. During his tenure in Minnesota, he earned three Pro Bowl selections and ranks third among the team’s all-time leading passers in yardage. However, after failing to reach a long-term contract extension, Cousins signed with the Falcons in 2024, leaving a significant void in the Vikings’ quarterback room.
Meanwhile, Sam Howell, a 24-year-old quarterback, was acquired by the Vikings from the Seattle Seahawks during the 2025 NFL Draft through a pick swap. With a modest $1.1 million salary for the 2025 season, Howell serves as a cost-effective backup for J.J. McCarthy, the Vikings’ first-round pick in 2024. Despite starting 18 games in his career, Howell’s 23 interceptions in 20 games, including a league-leading 21 in 2023 with the Washington Commanders, raise concerns about his reliability.
Reasons Behind the Trade
According to ESPN analyst Seth Walder, bringing Cousins back to Minnesota is not only about bolstering the quarterback depth but also serves a long-term strategic purpose. J.J. McCarthy, while viewed as the future of the franchise, remains inexperienced after missing the entire 2024 season due to a knee injury. Having a veteran like Cousins, who is familiar with head coach Kevin O’Connell’s system, would give McCarthy time to develop and learn from a quarterback who once led the team.
Walder also suggested that the Vikings could cover $12 million of Cousins’ salary, while the Falcons would absorb the bulk of a $45 million “dead cap” hit if they release him after the 2025 season. This arrangement makes the trade financially viable, especially considering the Vikings’ $300 million investment in free-agent contracts this year.
Reactions and Outlook
The idea of Cousins returning to Minnesota has sparked mixed reactions. Some fans on Reddit view trading Howell for Cousins as a “strategic move,” particularly given Cousins’ prior chemistry with O’Connell and his potential to mentor McCarthy. However, others worry that Cousins, who never led the Vikings to a Super Bowl during his tenure, may not justify the trade, especially since his iconic No. 8 jersey has already been assigned to Howell.
Nevertheless, the trade is seen as a high-stakes gamble with significant potential. If Cousins returns, the Vikings would gain a reliable backup and could leverage his experience to stabilize their offense, particularly with young talent like Tai Felton, a compensatory pick acquired when Cousins left.
Conclusion
While still a rumor, this trade has ignited hopes of an emotional reunion between Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota Vikings. With head coach Kevin O’Connell and GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah at the helm, the team appears poised to make a long-term play for a Super Bowl run in 2025. Will Cousins truly return to his “former home”? Only time will tell.