Vikings Legend Jared Allen Rejects Kirk Cousins Reunion

Allen says Cousins couldn't lead Vikings to championships in his prime

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Minnesota Vikings legend Jared Allen has expressed his reluctance to see the team bring back former quarterback Kirk Cousins. Allen, a Hall of Famer, believes Cousins was unable to lead the Vikings to championships during his best years with the team, despite the talent around him. The Vikings are looking to add a veteran quarterback to their roster, but Allen believes Cousins is not the right fit, as the team rarely competed at the highest level with him under center.

Why it matters

The Vikings are at a crossroads with their quarterback situation, and the decision on whether to bring back Cousins could have significant implications for the team's future. Allen's perspective, as a respected Vikings great, carries weight and could influence the team's thinking on this important decision.

The details

Allen was asked directly on the 'Up and Adams' podcast whether he would welcome a Cousins reunion in Minnesota. He responded, 'No, in his prime we weren't winning championships with him.' Despite Cousins' individual success, including four Pro Bowl selections, he has only reached the Divisional Round of the playoffs once in his career and has never advanced to a Conference Championship game. The Vikings were rarely true contenders with Cousins as their starting quarterback, a dynamic that changed after he left the team.

  • Cousins played for the Vikings from 2018 to 2022.
  • The Vikings went 9-8 in 2025 with a combination of JJ McCarthy, Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer at quarterback.

The players

Jared Allen

A Hall of Fame defensive end who played for the Minnesota Vikings from 2008 to 2013 and is considered a Vikings legend.

Kirk Cousins

A veteran quarterback who played for the Vikings from 2018 to 2022 and is being considered as a potential reunion option for the team.

JJ McCarthy

The Vikings' current starting quarterback, who had a mixed 2025 season and is facing an uncertain future with the team.

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What they’re saying

“If Kirk Cousins came back, would you welcome him?”

— Kay Adams, Host, 'Up and Adams' podcast (Up and Adams)

“No, in his prime we weren't winning championships with him.”

— Jared Allen, Hall of Fame defensive end, Minnesota Vikings (Up and Adams)

What’s next

The Vikings will need to decide whether to pursue Cousins or look for a different veteran quarterback option to complement JJ McCarthy this offseason.

The takeaway

Jared Allen's rejection of a potential Kirk Cousins reunion in Minnesota highlights the Vikings' need to find a quarterback who can lead the team to championships, not just put up solid individual numbers. The team's decision on the quarterback position will be crucial in determining their path forward.