Ranking Vikings Future QB Options: Kirk Cousins Returning in 2027 Is on the Table

Cousins Could Stay Beyond 2026

Before reuniting at the trade deadline, Minnesota and Kirk Cousins discussed extending his time with the team beyond 2026, ESPN's Ian Rapoport reported. Cousins appeared receptive, and the Vikings are taking on his $10 million roster bonus for next season, which could be absorbed into a later contract.

Cousins played well in the first half of the season in Las Vegas and has started his second Vikings stint strongly. Minnesota has used a different quarterback in each of the past three seasons. Saving money at the position has helped fund the defense, but the team may benefit from greater continuity.

Backup Options Have Limits

Drew Lock, Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew II are among the more intriguing quarterbacks expected to be free agents next summer. The Vikings could consider them as backups, but the analysis distinguishes emergency starters from full-time options.

Lock has completed 71.1 percent of his passes, with five touchdowns and no interceptions in three appearances this season. Brissett and Minshew have more experience, though Brissett is considerably older. The article argues that these quarterbacks could help keep a team afloat, but questions their ability to lead Minnesota to a Super Bowl.

Drafting A Young Quarterback

The J.J. McCarthy experiment did not work out, but the approach of letting a talented rookie learn behind a capable veteran is presented as sound. The 2027 NFL Draft is described as strong at quarterback. Trinidad Chambliss and LaNorris Sellers are named as possible options for Minnesota near the end of the first round.

Veteran Starters And Trade Costs

Geno Smith is presented as a possible veteran stopgap. At 36, he has longevity concerns, but the article points to his productive individual season with the New York Jets after a short, turnover-heavy stint with the Raiders. His arm strength and willingness to attack tight windows could suit Minnesota, though that aggression also brings turnover risk.

Mac Jones has earned another chance to start, but the article expects that opportunity to come away from the San Francisco 49ers. Minnesota called about him at the deadline, but balked at San Francisco's asking price of a second-round pick and more.

Jones could fit Minnesota's style, but his age and contract outlook raise concerns. At 28, he could seek a substantial deal spanning multiple years, and the article notes he has not made the Pro Bowl since his rookie season. His success filling in for an injured Brock Purdy last year followed a period when he appeared headed toward a journeyman backup role.