Potential West Coast Reunion Could Spoil Vikings’ Backup Plan
As the Minnesota Vikings gear up for the 2025 NFL season, their quarterback situation remains a focal point of discussion. With rookie J.J. McCarthy poised to take the helm after recovering from a preseason knee injury, the team’s depth at the quarterback position is under scrutiny. Recent developments suggest that a potential reunion between former Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins and a West Coast team could disrupt Minnesota’s contingency plans.
McCarthy’s Ascension and the Need for a Reliable Backup
The Vikings have shown unwavering confidence in McCarthy, the 22-year-old quarterback drafted 10th overall in 2024. Despite missing his rookie season due to injury, McCarthy has expressed his readiness to lead the team, emphasizing his physical preparedness and the support from coaches and teammates . However, the departure of last season’s starter, Sam Darnold, who signed a lucrative deal with the Seattle Seahawks, has left a void in the backup quarterback role .
The Vikings’ current options include veteran Brett Rypien, who was signed after Jaren Hall was waived. Rypien’s NFL experience is limited, with a career passer rating of 59.9 . This situation underscores the importance of securing a dependable backup to support McCarthy and ensure stability in the quarterback position.
Cousins’ Potential Return to the West Coast
Kirk Cousins, who played for the Vikings from 2018 to 2023, is currently with the Atlanta Falcons as a backup to Michael Penix Jr. Reports indicate that Cousins is seeking a starting role elsewhere and has expressed a preference for teams where he can compete for the starting position . A potential trade to a West Coast team, such as the Los Angeles Rams, has been speculated, especially if their current quarterback situation changes .
Cousins’ departure from the Falcons could have implications for the Vikings. If he joins a team that was also considering other quarterbacks, it could limit the Vikings’ options in acquiring a seasoned backup. Moreover, Cousins’ familiarity with the Vikings’ system and his previous success under head coach Kevin O’Connell make him an attractive candidate for a potential reunion, should circumstances align.
Exploring Other Backup Options
In light of the uncertainties surrounding Cousins, the Vikings have explored other avenues to bolster their quarterback depth. Veteran quarterbacks like Ryan Tannehill have been considered as potential backups. Tannehill, with his extensive NFL experience and previous tenure with the Tennessee Titans, could provide the leadership and stability needed in a backup role .
Additionally, the Vikings had the opportunity to reunite with Joshua Dobbs, who had a brief but notable stint with the team in 2024. Dobbs’ mobility and familiarity with the Vikings’ offensive scheme could have made him a valuable asset. However, he signed with the San Francisco 49ers, leaving the Vikings to consider other options .
Implications for the Vikings’ Season
The Vikings’ commitment to McCarthy as their starting quarterback is evident. However, the importance of a reliable backup cannot be overstated, especially given the physical demands of the NFL season. The potential movement of quarterbacks like Cousins and the limited availability of seasoned backups present challenges for the Vikings’ roster planning.
As the season approaches, the Vikings must navigate these complexities to ensure they have the necessary depth and experience at the quarterback position. The team’s success may hinge not only on McCarthy’s performance but also on the preparedness and capability of his backup.
