The Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings meet Sunday in an NFC North matchup, with Kirk Cousins’ return to Minnesota among the game’s biggest storylines. The Vikings traded a third-round pick for the veteran quarterback on Tuesday. Cousins spent six years with the team, from 2018 through 2023.
Minnesota has struggled at quarterback this season, and many expect Cousins to strengthen the position. Packers rookie defender Dani Dennis-Sutton, however, isn’t sure his arrival will change the Vikings’ approach.
“He’s a great quarterback, but I don’t think it’s going to change too much,” Dennis-Sutton told reporters Thursday. “I think they’re going to still stick to their gameplan, stick to their offense, and try to get 18 [Justin Jefferson] the ball. So, I think it’s going to be similar to what they’ve been doing.”
## Justin Jefferson Is on Pace for a Career-Low Season
Dennis-Sutton has made an impact for Green Bay. His three sacks are tied for fourth among rookies, and he has helped a defense that has played much better than it did in the season opener against Minnesota.
Still, the Vikings’ pre-Cousins problem was not simply a matter of continuing their usual approach: they had struggled to get the ball to Jefferson. That was a major reason the team traded for Cousins. If Kyler Murray had developed a rapport with Jefferson, the offense could have operated more effectively.
Jefferson is the Vikings’ leading receiver, but his production has been down this season. He has 31 catches for 393 yards and is on pace for 954 yards—nearly 100 fewer than his lowest season total to date.
Cousins could help get Jefferson more involved. Across their 54 games together from 2020 through 2023, Jefferson averaged nearly seven catches and more than 98 receiving yards per game.
## Cousins Could Strengthen Minnesota’s Playoff Chances
Cousins’ return could benefit more than Jefferson’s statistics. It may also improve Minnesota’s playoff prospects, given that quarterback has been one of the team’s most significant weaknesses this season.
At 38, Cousins may be nearing the twilight of his career, but he has continued to produce. His 2,340 passing yards rank fifth, and his 20 passing touchdowns are second only to Joe Burrow.
Cousins has limitations, but he has not previously played with a defense as strong as Minnesota’s this season. The Vikings may not need him to carry the team; steady quarterback play could be enough to support their status as a contender.
If Cousins can resume the level of play he showed in Las Vegas, he could address a major need for Minnesota. A week ago, the Vikings could not say the same about their quarterback situation.
