The Atlanta Falcons quarterback room has been one of the NFL’s most complicated storylines this offseason with Kirk Cousins, but a new trade proposal suggests a potential solution that could also help the Minnesota Vikings.
The scenario has the Falcons sending four time Pro Bowler Kirk Cousins back to Minnesota in exchange for quarterback Sam Howell, a seventh round pick, and cash considerations. The move would give Atlanta financial relief while offering the Vikings veteran stability behind J.J. McCarthy.
Why It Makes Sense for Minnesota
GettyKirk Cousins was the quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings for six seasons, from 2018 to 2023.
The Vikings biggest concern heading into 2025 is what happens if J.J. McCarthy isn’t ready for the full grind of an NFL season. Veteran insurance is thin and Howell, brought in earlier this offseason, has yet to show he can be trusted in that role.
Howell has struggled to establish consistency in camp and hit a new low against the Patriots in preseason Week 2, completing just 1 of 5 passes for 13 yards with an interception. Beyond the poor numbers, the outing underscored a larger issue: his decision making continues to lag, and it has opened the door for undrafted rookie Max Brosmer to seriously challenge him for the QB2 job.
For the Vikings, reuniting with Cousins would immediately stabilize the depth chart. He spent six seasons in Minnesota, knows the offensive system, and would give McCarthy a proven safety net if injuries or growing pains strike.
Why It Makes Sense for Atlanta
GettyHead coach Raheem Morris says ‘he doesn’t blame Kirk Cousins for wanting to play for another team.’
On the Falcons’ side, this trade would represent an escape hatch from the awkward quarterback logjam created when they drafted Michael Penix Jr. a year after signing Cousins to a four year, $180 million contract. Atlanta has been open about its desire to shed at least part of Cousins’ future salary, and moving him to Minnesota would accomplish exactly that.
In this proposed trade, Atlanta would save around $11 million off Kirk Cousins’ $27.5 million base salary for next season. They’d also gain a late Day 3 pick, a developmental backup in Howell on a cheap rookie contract, and potentially even more value if negotiations push the return up to a sixth rounder.
Just as important, the move would clear the path for Penix to step fully into the QB1 role without the shadow of Cousins complicating the locker room dynamic. Atlanta’s front office has invested heavily in it’s second year QB, and this trade would align the roster with that vision.
It’s unusual for a trade proposal to line up so neatly for both franchises. The Vikings would solve their Howell problem with a battle tested quarterback who knows their playbook inside and out. The Falcons would untangle their quarterback controversy, recoup a pick, and save millions in the process.
Of course, Atlanta may choose to hold out longer to see if another team grows desperate for quarterback help. But the clock is ticking. If the Falcons truly want to move on from Cousins while maximizing value, Minnesota might represent the cleanest and most logical landing spot.
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