Despite logical reasoning for a reunion, an insider reveals why Kirk Cousins' Minnesota return faces significant hurdles, pointing to J.J. McCarthy's development.
The NFL world is in Indianapolis for the NFL Scouting Combine, and rumors and discussions are part of the allure of the week-long event. The Vikings didn't send their head coach and interim general manager to the podium, but both met with local media to answer questions about the future of the team and, obviously, the quarterback position.
The divorce between Atlanta and Kirk Cousins felt like an obvious setup for one last ride with Minnesota before he rides off into the sunset. With the discussions about the Vikings wanting a veteran quarterback to push J.J. McCarthy, why not? Cousins isn't the only choice, with everyone from Kyler Murray to Joe Burrow having been mentioned as potential additions.
Dianna Russini of the Athletic isn't as convinced of a Cousins reunion after spending time in Indianapolis. On the latest episode of "Scoop City," Russini explained her rationale.
“Minnesota, to me, it makes sense [to sign Cousins] on paper, but I just don't see it happening, I don't,” said Russini. “I think they really want to develop JJ. I really think they want to get JJ going. And I learned that actually, this week, more than ever.”
Russini also believes that even if the Vikings are all in on McCarthy, they will bring in a veteran quarterback, but she doesn't believe it will be Cousins. Perhaps Cousins doesn't want to be in a competition with any quarterback and wants a guaranteed starting spot.
Interim GM Rob Brzezinski spoke at the combine about exploring all options at quarterback.
"What we do know is we need a level of baseline quarterback play for us to be effective," Vikings executive vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski said Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine, via The Minnesota Star Tribune's Ben Goessling. "A lot of this is, has been J.J. in an unfortunate [situation] with some of the injuries and things that he's dealt with. But we're going to explore every opportunity. We can't manufacture what's not there. So, No. 1, where are the options? Is it reciprocal? Is it financially doable? All of those things. There's just a lot of factors that go into it."
Former Seahawks and current Raiders quarterback Geno Smith has also been named as a potential addition, which just lends to the idea that any and every quarterback will be in the mix for Minnesota.
Another day, another quarterback rumor in Minnesota.