Former NFL head coach Eric Mangini sees the Minnesota Vikings as a potential destination for Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins. Cousins, a four-time Pro Bowler, spent six years in Minnesota before signing with Atlanta in 2024. The Vikings were focused on drafting a new quarterback—ultimately selecting J.J. McCarthy—while the Falcons surprisingly picked Michael Penix Jr. soon after.
With McCarthy still unproven, Cousins might view a return to Minnesota as a viable opportunity.
“They took the real risk when they drafted McCarthy,” Mangini said during an April 15 appearance on First Things First. “Now they’re going to give it some time to evaluate him. But this situation is a bit misleading. A trade for Cousins can’t realistically happen until after June 1 due to the cap hit Atlanta would incur. After that date, though, it becomes much more manageable.”
Currently, Brett Rypien is the only other quarterback on the Vikings’ roster besides J.J. McCarthy. Former NFL head coach Eric Mangini believes the team will likely bring in a veteran backup—someone capable of stepping in and winning games if McCarthy struggles or gets hurt. He suggested that could mean bringing in a seasoned quarterback like Kirk Cousins or Aaron Rodgers. Mangini expects the Vikings to let the offseason unfold before making a move for a proven veteran.
“If things take a turn, they need someone who can step in and still win games,” Mangini said.
However, the Vikings have reportedly ruled out signing Rodgers, and KTSP’s Darren Wolfson noted on April 15 that Minnesota was never seriously pursuing Drew Lock or Joe Flacco before they signed elsewhere in free agency.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer (April 14), the Vikings did make offers to Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones—highlighting their need for a solid backup. Whether Cousins is open to returning remains uncertain.
“Kirk’s situation is interesting,” Mangini said. “He left because of contract issues, not because of bad relationships. Everything I’ve read suggests he had strong ties with the organization, the city, and the coaching staff. He may see returning as his best shot at success.”
Mangini also noted that while Cousins might not demand the starting job upfront, he could believe he has a real chance to beat out McCarthy and win it. Even if he doesn’t, the familiar and supportive environment could still be appealing, especially with guaranteed money in place.
In 2024, Cousins completed nearly 67% of his passes for 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions, going 7-7 before being benched by Atlanta.
As for McCarthy, he missed the regular season due to a knee injury that required two surgeries but has declared himself fully healthy. Head coach Kevin O’Connell has praised his dedication to recovery and off-field work.
General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has acknowledged the team’s intent to sign a veteran quarterback. Rypien, 28, has just four career starts (2-2 record) and 168 career pass attempts. Whether that need leads the team back to Cousins remains to be seen.
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