Kirk Cousins’ name isn’t going away in Minnesota. As the Vikings prepare for Sunday’s divisional matchup in Detroit, NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero said the veteran quarterback would be “very open” to returning to the team, even as a backup.
While the Vikings appear committed to J.J. McCarthy’s development, Cousins’ willingness to reunite adds an interesting twist as the trade deadline approaches.
Falcons QB Still Has the Vikings as an Option
Pelissero addressed Minnesota’s trade outlook this week with Vikings Entertainment Network’s Tatum Everett. When asked about potential quarterback options, he made it clear that the Vikings are not expected to pursue a reunion at this stage. Still, he added that Cousins himself would welcome it under the right circumstances.
“Right now, I don’t believe that they’re going to go out and get Kirk Cousins and try to have him ride back in,” Pelissero said. “Even though I believe that he’d be very open to coming back, even if it were as the No. 2.”
Cousins, now with the Atlanta Falcons, left Minnesota after six seasons that included four playoff appearances and one of the most productive statistical runs in franchise history. His openness to return, even as a backup, suggests that he has unfinished business with a team that still values his professionalism and leadership. For now, the Vikings remain focused on McCarthy, who will make his third career start on Sunday after missing six weeks with a high ankle sprain.
Driven and motivated with a lot of ball ahead of us pic.twitter.com/G5Nk1lTqzY
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 31, 2025
The current quarterback room includes McCarthy, rookie Max Brosmer, and practice squad veteran John Wolford. Pelissero noted that adding another experienced quarterback remains possible, depending on how the season unfolds. Minnesota is still seeking stability at the sport’s most crucial position. Through eight weeks, the Vikings offense ranks 26th in PFSN’s OFFi.
“If there’s somebody else who’s played, just to give J.J. McCarthy another hand and somebody who’s had experience, much like Carson Wentz was, I could see them being open to that,” he said.
Vikings GM Working the Phones Ahead of Deadline
As for the broader trade picture, Pelissero said general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah remains one of the most active executives in the league.
“Kwesi’s always working the phones,” he said. “Always trying to figure out what the opportunities are, not just to acquire, but also to potentially trade and pad what you have for draft capital in 2026 and beyond.”
Pelissero added that nothing appears imminent, and a major acquisition is unlikely to occur. Instead, the Vikings could make smaller moves, possibly to add depth at edge rusher or cornerback. Still, with the team sitting near the bottom of the NFC North, Sunday’s result could influence how aggressively Adofo-Mensah approaches the final hours before Tuesday’s deadline.
Cousins’ future remains uncertain, but his openness to returning keeps his connection to Minnesota alive. Whether or not it ever materializes, his name still resonates in the building where he helped define a generation of Vikings football.