Kirk Cousins joined the Atlanta Falcons during the 2024 offseason, signaling the end of his Minnesota Vikings tenure and the continuation of his NFL career in a new setting. However, recent reports indicate the Falcons plan to move on from Cousins this season, while the Vikings seek a seasoned quarterback to complement J.J. McCarthy, making Minnesota a potential destination for Cousins once again.
In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, Cousins reflected on his uncertain future and the possibility of returning to Minnesota. He said,
“I kind of keep an open mind. Those conversations with the Falcons will happen in March and [we’ll] kind of see where it all goes. But I’ve learned through my 14 years that anything can happen. I don’t really know what to expect. I think what I’ve learned is to not try to predict or say what I think is gonna happen, and who knows where it goes.”
– Kirk Cousins, Quarterback
Financial Outlook for a Potential Cousins Return to Minnesota
If Cousins returns to the Vikings, his contract is expected to be far less costly than during his first stint. Originally, his 2018 signing included a three-year, fully guaranteed $84 million deal. Over six seasons in Minnesota, he received roughly $185 million, averaging about $30.8 million per year.
Last season with Atlanta, Cousins’ cap hit stood at $40 million, which was 14.1 percent of the Falcons’ total salary cap. Given the Falcons’ intent to move on, it’s unlikely his next contract will approach that figure.
More realistically, Cousins’ future deal could mirror contracts such as Aaron Rodgers‘ $13.65 million salary with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025 or fall just above Russell Wilson’s $10.5 million contract with the New York Giants last year. Should Minnesota consider this range affordable, they may pursue Cousins as a viable option if he becomes available this offseason.
This is what Kirk Cousins has to say about a potential return to the Vikings 👀 pic.twitter.com/WkaD0iJGPZ
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) February 7, 2026
