According to a report, Cousins will be released by Atlanta.
It's February 7th, and the rumors about the Minnesota Vikings quarterback position continue to fly and are being speculated about. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the Atlanta Falcons, under new head coach Kevin Stefanski, are expected to release former Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins before the start of the new league year in March.
The move will allow Cousins to choose his next playing destination or a move into an analyst role. The financial ramifications are a huge factor in the decision, as the Falcons modified the final two years in his contract, changing his 2026 base salary from $35 million to $2.1 million but adding the leftover $32.9 million to his 2027 base salary to now make it $67.9 million. That $67.9 million would become guaranteed if Cousins remains on the Falcons roster at the start of the league year in mid-March.
Schefter added about Cousins and his three choices for the 2026 season:
"Cousins would like to play next season but also has dabbled in television, appearing on CBS' pregame show during the postseason. TV is expected to be an option for Cousins, as is retirement. But he also will be fully open to finding the right opportunity with another NFL team in need of quarterback help."
With the Vikings' want for a reliable backup and veteran quarterback to compete with J.J. McCarthy, let the speculation begin about Cousins returning for one last season. The question would become: in one last season, is Cousins fine with being McCarthy's backup, or will he sign to play one more year and ride off into the sunset as a member of his former team?
After Michael Penix, Jr went down with an ACL injury in 2025, Cousins filled in admirably and still has some solid football in the tank. Reuniting with Kevin O'Connell could reinvigorate his career and the Vikings' passing offense.
Cory Woodroof of ForTheWin believes it's a matter of time for the franchise and quarterback to reunite.
"A Vikings reunion just makes too much sense for Cousins and Minnesota, especially with the franchise expected to find veteran competition for J.J. McCarthy. If Cousins is comfortable with giving McCarthy a run for his money, returning to Minnesota is probably the veteran quarterback's best option to keep his NFL career going."
While the Browns, Jets, Cardinals, Dolphins, and others would be in for his services, being back with Minnesota in a system he's comfortable with and with offensive weapons is the betting favorite.