This should be fun!
The number of quarterbacks connected to the Minnesota Vikings following their very public and outward intention to add a veteran to compete with J.J. McCarthy was substantial. Aaron Rodgers, Malik Willis, and many others were suggested as the season drew to a close. The Vikings landed Kyler Murray, but it was widely assumed that a reunion between Kirk Cousins and Minnesota was imminent.
Now, Cousins is being whispered to end up with the rival Green Bay Packers.
Matt Schneidman of The Athletic named some potential backups for Green Bay, but Cousins' name is the most interesting.
He explained, “Aaron Rodgers, Jordan Love, and Malik Willis have all been backup quarterbacks for the Packers. All three could be starting in the NFL come September. Green Bay really values the position, which might make it unlikely that Desmond Ridder or Kyle McCord — the only other quarterbacks on the roster besides Love — are in the No. 2 role come Week 1.”
“The idea of adding a proven veteran like Cousins, who can at least help the Packers tread water if Love goes down, might entice head coach Matt LaFleur. Cousins might (understandably) want to sign with a team whose starter is less entrenched than Love, but perhaps the idea of reuniting with his position coach from his first two years in the NFL (LaFleur) entices him, too.”
Anthony Richardson has been spoken about as a potential option, and Green Bay has been spoken about as a trade partner with the Indianapolis Colts.
Backup quarterback is vital to the Packers, as evidenced by Willis' play while Love was injured. Without a capable backup, Green Bay probably misses the playoffs. While you don't want to think about your starting quarterback missing games, history indicates it is a strong possibility. Cousins gives them quite the option, and the Packers' offense would only slightly decline with the veteran under center.
How would Vikings greet their former quarterback if he led the Packers into Minnesota for a vital divisional matchup? It boils down to whether Cousins wants to be a certain backup or a potential starter. What if Las Vegas wants to add the veteran to start, while Heisman trophy winner Fernando Mendoza sits and learns for a year?
Seeing Cousins in a Packers uniform will evoke strong feelings for Vikings fans. It will add a level of intrigue to the rivalry, which doesn't need any extra juice, but it will be fun.