Adam Schefter speculated on an intriguing landing spot for Kirk Cousins.
On his latest podcast, Schefter noted that the Atlanta Falcons remain "unwavering and steadfast" in their insistence that they'll keep Cousins as a backup quarterback to Michael Penix Jr. However, Schefter still believes Cousins wants to play elsewhere next season.
Schefter wondered if the Minnesota Vikings would consider a reunion one year after Cousins left them in free agency.
"Minnesota lost out on Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones. There's not an obvious solution," Schefter said. "What if Minnesota just waits around until after the draft and then somehow figures out a way for Kirk Cousins to get to Minnesota as the backup to J.J. McCarthy? Wouldn't that make some sense?
The ESPN insider also pointed out that a $10 million roster bonus became guaranteed last Saturday, eliminating any rush for Atlanta to move the four-time Pro Bowler. After watching the Falcons pick Penix last year, Schefter thinks Cousins would use his no-trade clause to delay any potential deal until after the NFL Draft to prevent the same situation from unfolding.
While the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants currently need a starting quarterback, they could draft one early in the first round.
"He's not going to make the same mistake again and sign off on going to a team and see that team then go draft Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders," Schefter claimed.
Schefter nevertheless suggested the Vikings, who drafted McCarthy with the No. 10 pick last year. For the second straight offseason, they watched their starting quarterback exit when Darnold signed a three-year deal with the Seattle Seahawks.
Cousins spent six seasons in Minnesota before going to Atlanta, where he started eight games before getting benched. Schefter wondered if the Vikings would throw the Falcons a sixth-round pick for the 36-year-old.
Although the Falcons haven't shown much desire to move Cousins, Schefter doesn't anticipate Cousins staying with them.
"I will be highly surprised if Kirk Cousins ever plays another down ever plays another down in Atlanta again," Schefter said. "I don't believe he wants to be there. I don't believe he'll be there. But the question is how this plays out and when this unfolds, and which team steps forward to make a move for Kirk Cousins."
