Two teams that could provide Kirk Cousins the opportunity he's searching for 

In all reality, there are only two teams that truly make sense for Cousins at this point. 

Minnesota Vikings

In an ironic twist of fate, a return to Minnesota may be the salvation Cousins is searching for. 

After entering the season with high expectations, the Vikings sit at 3-4 and are in last place in the NFC North. J.J. McCarthy, who they selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, will now reclaim his starting role after an injury forced Minnesota to turn to veteran Carson Wentz. 

The Vikings went 2-3 with Wentz under center before a shoulder injury led to season-ending surgery. McCarthy threw for 301 yards, two touchdowns and three picks, going 1-1 in his two starts. 

Even though the Vikings aren't likely to give up on McCarthy this soon into his career, they may consider bringing in a more experienced signal caller in hopes of making a playoff push. 

Cousins' struggles with the Falcons aside, he would find comfort in Kevin O'Connell's system. He enjoyed one of his best seasons under O'Connell in 2022, his last Pro Bowl appearance, throwing for 4,457 yards to go along with 29 touchdown passes. 

In retrospect, Cousins may regret leaving in the first place. He signed a four-year, $180M deal with the Falcons in March 2024. 

Las Vegas Raiders 

If a move back to Minnesota doesn't work out, Cousins could find what he's looking for with the Raiders. Like the Vikings, Las Vegas is currently in last place in its division at 2-5 and have only one win since Sept. 7. 

Las Vegas traded for Geno Smith in the offseason, but he's struggled to provide any semblance of a successful offense. Smith has thrown 10 interceptions to only seven touchdowns in seven games as a Raider. 

If the Raiders still feel they can get back in the hunt and want to upgrade from Smith, trading a late-round pick for Cousins could be worth the gamble.