Kirk Cousins and the Vikings faced a crossroads during the 2024 NFL offseason. After six years together, Cousins' contract was expiring, and his immediate future in Minnesota wasn't clear.
Cousins and the Vikings enjoyed success together, and the veteran quarterback was in the midst of a career year before a torn Achilles in Week 8 sidelined him for the rest of the season. Many believed he would continue playing well in Kevin O'Connell's quarterback-friendly offense, and some believed that — plus Cousins' familiarity with Minnesota — would be enough to keep him in the Twin Cities.
There was mutual interest in a reunion, but each side wanted to explore its options. That appealed to both sides, as the Vikings — though successful with Cousins — won just one playoff game over his six years with the franchise. Meanwhile, Cousins didn't want to miss what might be his last chance to cash in with a big free-agent deal.
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Ultimately, that led to Cousins' departure from Minnesota. He signed a four-year, $180 million deal, with $100 million guaranteed, to join the Falcons. In turn, the Vikings selected J.J. McCarthy with the 10th overall pick in the quarterback-rich 2024 NFL Draft class.
It's easy to understand why each party made the decision it did. The Vikings landed a quarterback 15 years younger than Cousins, one with whom O'Connell can work and potentially develop into a great starter. Cousins got his big payday and earned financial certainty through his age-40 season. Not bad for a guy coming off a severe injury.
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Even so, the matchup between the Falcons and Vikings will be an anticipated one. There isn't bad blood between the two sides, but Cousins will relish a chance to beat his former team to make NFL fans second-guess Minnesota's decision to let him walk.
As for the Vikings, they will want to rally around McCarthy and show that they still have what it takes to be a winner, with or without Cousins.
Luckily, NFL fans won't have to wait too long to see this proverbial "revenge game" play out. The NFL released its 2024 schedule, and fans now have a date for the marquee Atlanta vs. Minnesota game.
Here's what to know about the Falcons vs. Vikings matchup and how to get tickets for it.
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When does Kirk Cousins play the Vikings in 2024?
- Date: Sunday, Dec. 8
- Time: 1 p.m. ET
- TV channel: Fox
The NFL announced that Cousins' Falcons will play his former team, the Vikings, on Sunday, Dec. 18 as part of its Wednesday schedule release. That Week 14 matchup will be Minnesota's third-to-last home game, and their last matchup regular-season home matchup against a non-divisional opponent.
The Falcons have a bye in Week 12 and play the Chargers at home in Week 13, so Cousins should be well-rested as he looks to beat his former team.
Falcons vs. Vikings tickets
- Tickets: StubHub
Tickets for the Falcons vs. Vikings game — and every NFL team's games this season — are available on StubHub.
