The Minnesota Vikings got their guy in J.J. McCarthy, but here’s the uncomfortable truth: he may not be ready.
McCarthy, a national champion at Michigan and now the face of the franchise, was drafted to end the QB misery in Minnesota. But if he doesn’t look the part by Week 1, there’s already speculation the Vikings could and maybe should call Kirk Cousins.
Yes, that Kirk Cousins.
According to Heavy.com’s Trevor Squire, league insiders believe Minnesota could re-engage with Cousins if McCarthy stumbles and Atlanta’s quarterback situation shifts.
“If McCarthy struggles early or gets hurt, Howell doesn’t make sense as a player to whom Minnesota would hand over the keys to a Super Bowl-caliber offense,” Squire wrote.
“Under those circumstances, going after Cousins makes perhaps more sense than any other scenario given his success in Minnesota in recent years with this coaching staff and several members of the 2025 offensive roster.”
Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million deal with the Falcons in free agency. But Atlanta complicated everything by using the No. 8 overall pick in 2024 on Michael Penix Jr, a move that raised eyebrows across the league, especially because Cousins wasn’t told in advance.
ESPN’s Marc Raimondi reported during draft night coverage that Cousins “was not informed” the Falcons planned to draft Penix, adding that the move “surprised his camp.”
The Vikings’ QB room doesn’t inspire confidence
Make no mistake, McCarthy is QB1 until he proves he isn’t.
But behind him?
The Vikings traded for Sam Howell. Howell’s talent is undeniable, but consistency and decision-making have been major red flags.
The point is, if McCarthy falters in training camp or suffers an early injury, Minnesota doesn’t have a fallback they can trust.
Why Kirk Cousins still makes sense for the Vikings
Despite leaving in free agency, Cousins remains a natural fit. He knows Kevin O’Connell’s system, has chemistry with Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson, and he left Minnesota on good terms. If Atlanta leans into the Penix era sooner than expected, Cousins could be a real option, especially if he waives his no-trade clause.
Nobody’s bailing on McCarthy. But if the rookie looks overwhelmed and the Falcons pivot to Penix Jr, don’t rule out the most awkward homecoming in the NFL