Rams Unlikely to Capitalize on Potential Kirk Cousins Domino Effect

The Los Angeles Rams may not benefit from the expected departure of Kirk Cousins from the Atlanta Falcons.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The Los Angeles Rams are unlikely to benefit from the potential departure of Kirk Cousins from the Atlanta Falcons, despite speculation that Cousins could return to the Minnesota Vikings. While the Vikings may look to replace their struggling 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy, the Rams are not expected to pursue a trade for McCarthy, who has significant deficiencies in his game that would be difficult for even Sean McVay to overcome.

Why it matters

The Rams' offense has been built around the strengths of quarterback Matthew Stafford, and adding a player like McCarthy, who is more of a dual-threat passer, may not fit well within their system. Additionally, the financial implications of acquiring McCarthy on the fourth year of his rookie deal may not make sense for the Rams, who would have a limited window to get the most out of him.

The details

CBS Sports' Tyler Sullivan believes that Kirk Cousins, who is expected to leave the Atlanta Falcons, will have an opportunity to re-join the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings are on the heels of firing general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, which was due, in part, to the team bungling their quarterback situation and picking 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy over Sam Darnold. If the Vikings bring in Cousins, McCarthy's career in Minnesota is likely over, leading to speculation that the Rams could trade for him. However, the Rams are unlikely to pursue this option, as McCarthy's deficiencies in his game may not be easily overcome by Sean McVay, and the financial implications of acquiring him on the fourth year of his rookie deal may not make sense for the team.

  • On January 4, 2026, the Minnesota Vikings fired general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.
  • In the 2025 season, J.J. McCarthy finished last in completion percentage, TD-INT ratio, and passer rating for the Minnesota Vikings.

The players

Kirk Cousins

An NFL quarterback who is expected to leave the Atlanta Falcons and potentially return to the Minnesota Vikings, where he played from 2018 to 2023.

J.J. McCarthy

A 2024 first-round draft pick of the Minnesota Vikings who struggled in his second season, finishing last in key statistical categories.

Sean McVay

The head coach of the Los Angeles Rams, known for his ability to maximize the strengths of his quarterbacks.

Matthew Stafford

The starting quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams, whose strengths the team's offense has been built around.

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What they’re saying

“After all, McCarthy finished last in completion percentage, TD-INT ratio, and passer rating in 2025. The Vikings will likely give McCarthy another shot to prove himself as the franchise centerpiece in 2026, but you better believe they'll look for insurance if he falters yet again. Cousins, who played for the Vikings from 2018 to 2023, knows Kevin O'Connell's system and could come in as a backup with the possibility to ascend as the starter if McCarthy proves to be a bust.”

— Tyler Sullivan, CBS Sports writer (CBS Sports)

The takeaway

The Rams are unlikely to capitalize on the potential Kirk Cousins domino effect, as acquiring a player like J.J. McCarthy, who has significant deficiencies in his game, may not fit well within their offensive system built around Matthew Stafford's strengths.