In his first year as an NFL starter, Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy struggled mightily. His performance was so underwhelming, in fact, that several fans and analysts have urged Minnesota to move on from its 2024 first-round pick. One writer even proposed the team turn to a familiar face, in hopes of returning to playoff contention next season.
Vikings Predicted To Reunite With Former Pro Bowl Quarterback
On Friday afternoon, CBS Sports writer Jared Dubin published an article outlining upcoming free agents that teams should prioritize this offseason. When he reached the Minnesota Vikings, he proposed a reunion with none other than the 298-TD, Pro Bowl quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Dubin first noted McCarthy’s struggles, stating, “With the J.J. McCarthy experiment seemingly going off the rails, the Vikings need to bring in a veteran quarterback to compete with him and/or be the backup and fill-in starter in case things don’t go well again.”
He then made his case for the former Vikings, adding, “Cousins is likely set to hit free agency given his contractual situation, and we know he is familiar with both the Vikings and Kevin O’Connell’s system, making this an easy, comfortable fit.”
Cousins spent the last two seasons of his career in Atlanta. In 2024, the veteran QB started 14 games and ranked 20th among passers per PFSN’s NFL QB Impact Metric. In 2025, Cousins took a step back, placing 30th among all QBs across eight starts.
While Cousins is technically signed through 2027, Atlanta appears ready to move on. The move would allow the 37-year-old QB to search for a new home this offseason, and, as Dubin noted, Minnesota would be a good fit.
Cousins was the Vikings’ starting QB for six seasons, from 2018 to 2023. He posted a 50-37-1 overall record, while averaging 3,877.5 passing yards, 28.5 passing touchdowns, and 9.2 interceptions per season.
In his final year with the Vikings, Cousins had his season cut short by an Achilles tear, but he still finished 10th among all quarterbacks per PFSN’s NFL QB Impact Metric. If he returns to the playing field in 2026, it will have been nearly three years since the initial injury.
Additionally, with Kevin O’Connell calling plays, Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison on the outside, and PFSN’s fourth-ranked defensive unit, Cousins could be a solid starting option as Minnesota attempts to compete in 2026.
As for McCarthy, there is no indication that he will start next season. This past year, the sophomore signal-caller posted a 64.5 Impact Score, ranking 37th among all quarterbacks, according to PFSN’s NFL QB Impact Metrics.
Assuming the Vikings staff decides to sign Cousins or another veteran this offseason, McCarthy would have significant competition for the QB1 position in training camp. NFL free agency begins on March 11. Between McCarthy, Cousins, and the rest of the teams’ offseason plans, it will be worth keeping an eye on the Vikings this spring.
No no no no no he’s washed up