GREEN BAY – What's old is new again for the Minnesota Vikings as they're set to return to Lambeau Field with Kirk Cousins under center on Sunday.
While nothing has been made official, that's what the Packers fully expect to see after Minnesota sent a 2027 third-round pick to Las Vegas on Tuesday for their former starting QB's services.
The Vikings and Cousins have ridden a rollercoaster since parting company during the 2024 offseason. Cousins had an up-and-down, two-year run with the Atlanta Falcons before being released in March and signing with the Raiders.
Minnesota enjoyed a season of success with Sam Darnold before cycling through 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy, Kyler Murray, Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer over the last 12 months.
A deflating 23-6 loss to Buffalo in which Wentz threw for just 81 yards with two interceptions led the Vikings back to Cousins, who was solid in nine starts for the Raiders while warming the QB1 seat for top pick Fernando Mendoza.
"Kirk, he's a savvy vet, a quarterback that's played a lot of ball in this league," nickel cornerback Javon Bullard said. "Of course there's going to be certain tendencies that he has. Certain things just don't go away from last week 'cause he was just with a new team.
"At the same time, he is a quarterback that's capable of making those tough throws. He's a quarterback that has a great mind, sees things before the play, so you better be dialed into that."
Cousins broke into the NFL as a fourth-round pick in 2012 with Washington, where Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur served as his quarterback coach during Cousins' first three seasons.
The 38-year-old quarterback spent six years in D.C. before signing with Minnesota as a free agent in 2018. Cousins made three of his four career Pro Bowl appearances with the Vikings, leading them to a 50-37-1 record in the regular season, an NFC North title in 2022 and two playoff appearances.
He returns to the Twin Cities just in time for his 12th start against the Packers, tied for the most in his career against a single opponent (including playoffs).
Cousins is 6-4-1 lifetime against Green Bay, including his first two meetings with Washington, and his play has typically had a direct correlation with the outcome of those 11 contests.
In six wins between Washington and Minnesota, Cousins completed 131 of 180 passes (72.8%) for 1,769 yards, 14 touchdowns and no interceptions (129.6 passer rating). In the four losses, however, he was 67 of 119 (56.3%) for 816 yards, five TDs and seven INTs (67.1 rating).
While much has changed in Minnesota over the past three years, the Vikings still have the same offensive play-caller (head coach Kevin O'Connell) and offensive coordinator (Wes Phillips).
With Wentz's and Murray's struggles, it made sense for the Vikings to bring Cousins back considering the background and the fact he's one of two quarterbacks to throw 20 TDs this year.
To LaFleur, the only surprise was how little Minnesota had to give up to get Cousins back.
"Obviously he's got familiarity with their system," LaFleur said. "Even if he didn't, he's a really intelligent guy, and I think he's been playing at a high level. I'm surprised (the Raiders) didn't get more for him, quite honestly. I was shocked when I saw what they traded him for. It was mind blowing to me."
Only a handful of Green Bay defenders remain from the last time Cousins suited up at quarterback for the Vikings in 2023. In fact, it actually happened at Lambeau – the infamous game in which Cousins tore his Achilles tendon in Week 8.
Keisean Nixon, who picked off Murray in the Week 1 opener at U.S. Bank Stadium, was among those on the field that afternoon and fully expects to see Cousins out there again Sunday.
"He's not my cousin," deadpanned Nixon when asked for his thoughts on Cousins after practice Thursday. "He's going to be out there. We've played him before. I think last time he played here, he got hurt, right? So, I'm sure it's a mental game for him. But he's experienced, older. We'll be all right. Same mindset – attack the ball, attack the quarterback, attack their offense."
Cousins' return comes at a good time for the Vikings, who have won six of eight and boast one of the league's top defenses but sit in 31st in total offense.
Top receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison have combined for just 49 catches for 670 yards and five touchdowns. Comparatively, Green Bay's Matthew Golden and Christian Watson each hover over those totals individually this season.
Defensively, the Packers should have their full secondary available. Bullard hasn't practiced this week due to ankle and knee injuries but those reporters Thursday he expects to play.
The defense enters Sunday feeling it has something to prove after unraveling in the fourth quarter of a 39-22 road loss in Week 1 – a game that Green Bay led entering the fourth quarter.
Yes, Minnesota may have a new quarterback, but the job remains the same.
"He's been doing this for a long time, a true vet. A guy who's won some major games," safety Xavier McKinney said. "I do think that they have what they need to be able to have an efficient offense. We just gotta go out there and execute better than they do."
