The Athletic’s Jeff Howe and Josh Kendall reported Jan. 29 that, even with Stefanski helping Cousins post strong seasons (including a 2020 playoff win), the Falcons are expected to part ways. The restructuring creates a pathway for him to be released and then re-signed if a better option isn’t found elsewhere, with Atlanta still interested in a cheaper pact.
That development opens the door for a potential return to Minnesota, where Cousins previously thrived under Stefanski’s influence and where the Vikings’ brass have long valued quarterback competition and proven stabilizers in the room.
From the Vikings’ perspective, the team signaled a commitment to improving the quarterback room after a bumpy year with J.J. McCarthy, including missteps at the backup level and mixed results from past veterans. The aim is to pair a proven veteran with McCarthy and still keep options open for a future quarterback through trade or free agency.
Names connected to the Vikings’ veteran hunt include players like Mac Jones as a potential option, though cost and draft considerations would be factors. A Cousins reunion would fit a role as mentor or starter, allowing the Vikings to balance immediate quarterback stability with the development of a younger signal-caller.
In sum, the Falcons’ impending release of Cousins could realistically re-open a path to Minnesota, where the franchise remains intent on strengthening the QB room. Whether Cousins would return in a cheaper deal remains contingent on market dynamics and the Vikings’ willingness to commit to a veteran option alongside McCarthy and any prospective successors.
