Vikings May Exchange Sam Howell for $27.5 Million Veteran QB Kirk Cousins, Says Insider

Insider reports suggest the Vikings may trade Sam Howell to acquire veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, who is owed $27.5 million in 2025. This move could reshape Minnesota’s quarterback depth ahead of the season.

The 2025 NFL season approaches, the Minnesota Vikings face a quarterback situation marked by youth and inexperience. This uncertainty has sparked speculation that the team might seek to add a veteran signal-caller before the season starts in September.

A recent ESPN article exploring potential NFL trades highlighted the idea of Kirk Cousins returning to Minnesota. Insider Dan Graziano suggested that the Vikings could trade mid-to-late-round draft picks and cash to the Atlanta Falcons for Cousins.

“The key to the compensation for a Cousins deal is how much of his guaranteed money the acquiring team will take on. I’ll … say the Vikings pay $12 million of it. This would allow Atlanta to save a little face and get out of the situation with a different backup quarterback,” Walder wrote. “For Minnesota, the upgrade at backup QB is more important because of the McCarthy situation. Cousins will have to accept a lesser role with his old team, but at least he’d be reunited with coach Kevin O’Connell.”

A key factor in any trade would be how much of Cousins’ guaranteed salary the Vikings are willing to take on. It’s been suggested Minnesota might cover around $12 million of the remaining contract. This would enable Atlanta to offload the contract while Minnesota gains a seasoned backup, reuniting Cousins with coach Kevin O’Connell and providing depth behind young quarterback prospect McCarthy.

Cousins initially left the Vikings in free agency prior to the 2024 season, signing a significant deal with the Falcons. Meanwhile, Minnesota brought in Sam Darnold on a short-term contract and drafted McCarthy with a high first-round pick, signaling a youth movement at quarterback.

Atlanta committed $180 million to Cousins, including $100 million guaranteed, despite concerns over his age and recovery from a torn Achilles. This season, the Falcons owe him a substantial salary and roster bonus.

Other potential trade destinations discussed include Cleveland and Pittsburgh, which may better align with Cousins’ chances to start. Whether he will be traded or remain a backup in Atlanta remains uncertain as the preseason approaches.