Just one season removed from having Kirk Cousins as their starting quarterback, the Minnesota Vikings are watching his post-departure saga unfold — and it’s hard for fans to ignore all the drama.
Cousins signed a massive four-year, $180 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons, which included a $50 million signing bonus and $100 million guaranteed. Even more surprising, the contract came with a no-trade clause, raising eyebrows across the league.
Adding to the confusion, Atlanta used the 8th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to select Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr., despite having just made a huge financial commitment to Cousins and still having other roster needs.
Cousins, returning from a 2023 Achilles injury that sidelined him in Minnesota, didn’t look like his former self. He was eventually benched in Atlanta, leading the team to experience some regret over their decision.
Now, the Falcons face a tough challenge: not only do they need to find a trade partner willing to take on a large portion of Cousins’ contract, but they also need him to agree to waive his no-trade clause.
Former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins is being linked to the New Orleans Saints
In the wake of Derek Carr’s unexpected retirement on May 10 due to a shoulder injury, the New Orleans Saints have emerged as a potential landing spot for Cousins. With a quarterback room consisting of Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler, and Jake Haener, the Saints aren’t in an ideal position heading into the 2025 season.
Acquiring a veteran quarterback as a bridge while grooming a long-term solution would make sense for New Orleans. CBS Sports recently mentioned the Saints as a possible destination for Cousins, though they also floated other options such as sticking with the current QBs, signing free agents like Aaron Rodgers or Carson Wentz, or trading for someone like Will Levis or Jameis Winston.
At least for now, the Falcons appear stuck with Cousins. Meanwhile, the Vikings seem to have made a prudent decision by parting ways with him, opting to roll the dice with cheaper, less proven options like Sam Darnold and rookie J.J. McCarthy.