Falcons QB Kirk Cousins eyeing Minnesota return on 2024 schedule

Before quarterback Kirk Cousins signed with the Atlanta Falcons in free agency, he played for the Minnesota Vikings from 2018 through last season. 

During ESPN's coverage of the full NFL schedule release for the 2024 campaign, Cousins spoke about the Falcons facing the Vikings at Minnesota's U.S. Bank Stadium in Week 14 this coming December. 

"It'll be a unique experience," Cousins said, as shared by Daniel Flick of Fan Nation's Falcon Report. "So many familiar faces, so many people that mean so much to me and my family, so many great memories in that stadium, in that city. It'll be a mix of emotions. We'll see once we get there, but that's certainly a game you're aware of when the schedules come out."

Cousins admitted back in January he had an interest in re-signing with the Vikings, but he ultimately put pen to paper on a four-year contract reportedly worth $180M that included $100M guaranteed to join the Falcons. Somewhat interestingly, he neither confirmed nor denied earlier this week he may have chosen differently in free agency had he known Atlanta would make quarterback Michael Penix Jr. the eighth overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft on April 25. 

Before Cousins played for Minnesota, he was with the franchise now known as the Washington Commanders from 2012-17. As noted by the Associated Press (h/t ESPN), Cousins guided the Vikings to a 20-17 win at Washington in November 2022. 

"A lot of emotions do hit you," Cousins said about returning to what used to be a home venue as a visiting player. "As you touch down, land in the plane, bus to the hotel and you realize you're going to the away hotel, not the home team hotel. As you head to the stadium and you see different security guards around the tunnel, the entrance that used to be for you, and now they're against you." 

Cousins also acknowledged that he enjoyed "a great feeling" walking off the FedEx Field turf with a victory in hand less than two years ago. 

Cousins is still recovering from the torn right Achilles he suffered in late October 2023 but expects to be good to go for Week 1 this September. Assuming he stays healthy, he should see plenty of friends in Minnesota on Dec. 8.