Vikings – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Return of Cousins Could Mean a Battle for Viking QB Job

Posted on January 4, 2026January 4, 2026 by David Shama

The whispering about a Kirk Cousins return to the Vikings for the 2026 season is ongoing. If he leaves the Falcons for Minnesota, it’s likely a reunion where he’s told ahead of arrival there will be an open competition for the starting quarterback position.

At 37 years old and having been an NFL starter for most of his career, including six seasons with the Vikings from 2018-2023, that’s an understanding probably necessary for an Act 2 involving Cousins who has a no trade clause in his contract with the Falcons. An NFL authority familiar with Cousins believes that despite the quarterback’s age Cousins may well want to be somewhere next season that he can start.

“I think you’d have to sell it as a competitive situation,” said the source who could see a starting position battle between Cousins and J.J. McCarthy.

The source, who was a top front office executive with a couple of NFL teams, thinks the Vikings could be well positioned to persuade Cousins to leave the Falcons where he’s been starting recently for the injured 25-year-old Michael Penix, Jr. Cousins is familiar with the Vikings offense and likes his former head coach, Kevin O’Connell.

The Falcons, who are committed long-term to Penix, are incentivized financially to move on from Cousins in the coming offseason. Cousins, who turns 38 in August, will receive $45 million ($35 million base salary and $10 million bonus roster) if he’s on the Falcons’ roster next season. But if Cousins is traded to another team, or waived, only $10 million of his $45 million is guaranteed.

Ex-Vikings QB Kirk Cousins — Kirk Cousins

That $10 million could be negotiated with a Falcons trade partner, with possibly both parties splitting the cost or the new team absorbing all of the money. It’s believed the Vikings might offer a late round draft choice for Cousins and negotiate a new guaranteed salary with him.

The source referenced here suggests the Vikings might be willing to offer their former starter $10 million for next season. That’s what they paid veteran Sam Darnold when they acquired him in the 2024 offseason.

“He liked it here, and likes KOC,” the authority said in regard to a Cousins’ homecoming. “But we’ll see. Money will talk in that situation.”

With Penix out with a serious knee injury, it’s possible the Falcons will choose to keep the costly Cousins on the roster. Down the stretch of this season Cousins has played well including a three down pass game in a 29-28 win over the Bucs. He would offer assurance for 2026 if Penix is slow to recover in mobility and performance. It’s also not likely the Falcons could acquire a Cousins replacement of his caliber during the coming offseason.

O’Connell talked about McCarthy becoming the Vikings “franchise quarterback” in 2024 before he had even played in a regular season game. The Vikings had selected him at No. 10 in the first round of the 2024 draft and the coaching staff, front office and ownership were excited about him.

However, injuries, body mechanics and inconsistencies in his play have cast doubt on McCarthy in the view of many Vikings followers. The source, however, remains confident in McCarthy long-term. He said franchise priority No. 1 for next season is to find a “quality No. 2” to back up the 22-year-old who missed the entire 2024 season and several games in 2025 with injuries.

The source also said McCarthy is a “potential Pro Bowler. I think he’s got the talent. He just needs more experience. But the problem is his injury history and so you gotta have a better No. 2 than what they had this year. …”

Cousins might be the best alternative in a 2026 quarterback market that looks so-so. Daniel Jones, for example, was briefly with the Vikings in 2024 and knows the offense. He will be a free agent in 2026 and although he played spectacularly for the Colts this season, he didn’t finish the year because of a torn Achilles. His rehab progress and future performance is conjecture now.

Jones, 28, and his representatives might well insist on more than $15 million from interested teams next season. So, it might be “Captain Kirk” to the rescue for the Vikings. The nickname is a reference to Star Trek character James T. Kirk who is known for leadership, poise and comeback skills.

The source also listed other priorities for the Vikings starting with the center position. “Because you can’t count on Ryan Kelly. He played really well when he was in there but he’s had too many concussions. He probably should retire.

“And (Michael) Jurgens, I don’t think is solid enough to be a starter. He’s an okay back up. So I think they probably need to draft a center in the early rounds or go to free agency again and try to find a quality center. …”

Other needs the authority identified include cornerback, suggesting the Vikings find help there via free agent signings or the draft. Safety needs attention, too, he said. “I am not sold on Theo Jackson. And we’ll see what happens with Harrison Smith. I think he played well enough to come back but will he want to, and that’s a question.”

Jackson is a potential replacement for Smith, 36, who could retire. Some observers wonder if Smith’s offseason decision will be impacted on whether acclaimed defensive coordinator Brian Flores leaves for another NFL job.

Asked about a potential replacement for Flores, the authority offered the name of Daronte Jones. Although he has never been a defensive coordinator in the NFL, he has called plays in the preseason and been a college coordinator. He’s also Smith’s position coach, handling the Vikings secondary.

“So, I think there’s a decent chance that Harrison would come back again,” the source said.

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25 Years Calls for Remembering One Special Sports Story

Posted on December 19, 2025December 19, 2025 by David Shama

With calendar year 2025 coming to a close, I am asking what is your favorite Minnesota sports story for the first 25 years of the new millennium?

True, there haven’t been a ton of cherished times on the local sports scene since the year 2000. I once worked for the Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce, so God forbid that I label this town as Loserville, but few will argue we excel in disappointing outcomes.

The Vikings haven’t been to the Super Bowl since 1977. The Vikings have almost made the big show several times since then, including 2010 when an overtime loss to the Saints in the NFC championship game spoiled their ambitions. The hero who had more to do with the Vikings getting that far was quarterback Brett Favre whose first season in Minnesota is my favorite story of the millennium.

For years I risked being charged with treason before Favre arrived in Purple Town. His long career and accomplishments with the Packers had my adulation, even though I kept a low profile about it. The Purple Faithful might have hung me in effigy at Winter Park if they had known my secret loyalty.

All that changed with the public, though, in the summer of 2009 when ill will was immediately forgotten by Viking fans and he was embraced like a long-lost son of Bud Grant.

At age 39 and after 16 seasons in Green Bay, and one lost season with the Jets, there had been speculation earlier in the year Favre might retire from the NFL. Nope, the old gunslinger had more football to play and agreed to lead Minnesota—the Packers hated division rival to the west.

On August 18, 2009, he arrived in St. Paul on a private jet. Throngs of media and fans deluged the Vikings training facility in Eden Prairie. Favre’s decision to play for the Vikings was worthy of front-page news and interrupting regularly scheduled TV programming.

The town was buzzing about the former Super Bowl winning quarterback who would be a sure first ballot hall of famer. The three-time NFL MVP changed expectations inside and outside of the locker room. The good old southern boy with the cocky attitude, powerful arm and knack for winning big games had arrived. The fans adored him and teammates responded to his leadership. They also poked fun of his age by putting a rocking chair in the locker room.

Favre and the Vikings had a magical ride in 2009 including the first regular season home game. He threw a miraculous 32-yard touchdown pass to Greg Lewis in the end zone to defeat the 49ers 27-24. The Vikings had trailed 24-20 in the fourth quarter when the 80-yard TD drive started. It ended with Favre’s laser to Lewis to win the game with two seconds remaining.

Upon arrival in Minnesota Favre made it clear his ambitions were the highest possible. His performance backed that up. He threw only seven interceptions, the best of his career as a starting NFL quarterback dating back to 1992. His passing rating of 107.2 was also a career best, and only three previous times did he ever total more than the 33 touchdown passes of the 2009 season.

Favre was the team’s MVP, and his No. 4 jersey was the best-selling that year in the NFL. The Vikings transformed into one of the NFL’s most watched and popular teams.

Minnesota finished 12-4 during the regular season, the team’s best record since 1998 when the Vikings were 15-1.

Brett Favre with former U great and Packer teammate Darrell Thompson

It was an ecstatic experience for Minnesotans to watch this aging quarterback (turned 40 that October) inject life into a struggling franchise and show he could still play some of the best football of his life. His appeal, too, went beyond the field and throwing impossible passes. He came off as a blue-collar country boy with a charismatic personality. Fans knew of his flaws, a struggling past of alcohol and drugs, but that was ignored by the public and no doubt some thought his mistakes made him even more endearing.

In the playoff opener after the regular season, Favre fever rolled on as he threw four touchdown passes in a home beat down of the Cowboys, 34-3. He threw three touchdown passes, had no picks and the defense was ferocious.

A week later in the NFC title game in New Orleans the Saints played like they were crazed —with defensive players diving at Favre’s legs and targeting him with rough antics. It was later confirmed that there was a payoff bounty to players for excessive play in the game and in other games the Saints played.

Favre managed to survive but the Vikings should have been the beneficiary of unnecessary roughness calls. It might well have made a difference in the outcome of a game the Vikings lost 31-28 in overtime.

A lot of Vikings could have played better, including Favre who had two interceptions and a fumble in the game. The superhero, playing in his last playoff game, turned out to be human but what a ride he took the town and franchise on from August of 2009 to late January of 2010!

We witnessed what greatness is all about.

Favre returned for one last season in the NFL and with the Vikings. In 2010 the preseason excitement of Favre playing one more year diminished in the reality of a losing season and declining performance by him as he threw more interceptions than touchdown passes.

But 2010 didn’t throw any shade on the marvelous ride of 2009!

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At 61, Najarian Intrigued about “Tackling” Football Again

Posted on December 13, 2025December 13, 2025 by David Shama

Pete Najarian is a name that resonates with Minnesotans either because of football or finance, or both. His has long been an intriguing story and remains so at age 61 with his ongoing zest for life and curiosity for problem solving.

Pete, the son of famed heart pioneer John Najarian who taught at the University of Minnesota and earlier was a football player at Cal, demonstrated his pedigree for football at Minneapolis Central High School and for the Golden Gophers. At the U, playing linebacker from 1982-1985, Pete set a school career record for tackles, made All-Big Ten and captained the team his final season. Three times he was the defense’s MVP and made Academic All-Big Ten.

After college Najarian was mostly a reserve linebacker for two seasons with the Vikings and then finished his NFL career playing a year with the Bucs. Post football he skyrocketed to fame as an options trader, financial markets analyst and TV personality.

During his journey of more than 30 years he’s never lost his lust for football. He worked as a TV analyst on ESPN college football telecasts and stayed in touch with friends who are involved with the game. He’s also followed the Gophers, Vikings and Bucs with passion each year.

The energetic and personable Najarian, known for his trademark goatee, has an itch to get back into the game he loves. He shared with Sports Headliners that “under the right circumstances” he would consider a role with a pro or college team. The right fit could have him leaving the world of investment full-time or possibly part-time.

About a year ago, Najarian reached out to someone with the Vikings about a role with his hometown team. Najarian suggested he wasn’t sure if the team was on the right path and that he would love to be another voice in the room. “I think that it’s pretty clear that a lot of the decisions just haven’t been quite right,” he told Sports Headliners. “That’s where I kind of stand, I guess.”

Najarian won’t say who he spoke to with the Vikings but obviously the organization didn’t say “come on aboard.” Yet Najarian, who is a fulltime Minnesota resident now after his and his wife’s Southwest Florida residence was completely destroyed by hurricanes, remains confident about his ability to help the Vikings.

The Vikings, 5-8, are going through a disappointing season. Although the team was 14-3 last season, this is the second time in two years it appears the club will finish the year with under a. 500 record and not make the playoffs.

Najarian is confident he could help with roster building. “I think that I am pretty good at figuring out who are the players that best suit a team. So, I’d love to be like some form of an assistant…or something within that field because I just think that we aren’t really making the kind of choices that we should be making. I think it speaks volumes how many (few) players are still on the team that we’ve drafted over the last few years. Or signed as free agents as well.”

General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s four college drafts have produced three 2025 starters on offense. None on defense. His regime has had more success with free agents but there have been disappointments there too, including on the defensive and offensive lines.

The NFL is a league of parity, with teams sometimes having a razor’s edge advantage over opponents. Najarian questions whether the Vikings have adequately kept up with the NFL trend of successfully running the football, with offenses in need of a productive running game and defenses needing to stop the run.

He spotted that trend awhile ago and believes the need to be on top of what’s happening in the sport is another contribution he could make to the Vikings or Bucs front offices. Najarian said it’s about “where the game is going, not where the game was.”

The Vikings defense isn’t what it was last year and Najarian thinks he knows why. The defense has found itself giving up more rushing yards and that creates more opportunities for opponents to have success passing. “It’s really that simple, to be honest with you,” he said.

Part of the issue is the Vikings, per Najarian, aren’t big enough at the linebacker position. Instead, they bring up a defensive back for run support. Najarian believes “we don’t seem to be a team that goes with bigger players.”

Najarian thinks the Vikings are too often missing the best players and fits in the draft. “I am not saying this as a guy who is looking in the rear-view mirror. I am saying this because I said that at the time.”

He would, for example, have loved seeing the Vikings find a player in recent drafts like 6-5, 246-pound Lions linebacker Jack Campbell in the NFL Draft. Najarian was high a few years ago on the former Iowa player who made NFL All-Rookie in 2023.

Finding the right personnel, he insists, can be a challenge but other times it’s so evident to him that it’s an easy choice.

When Najarian says that he’s not ego tripping or suggesting he has all the answers whether it comes to personnel, operational procedures, trends or philosophies. In fact, he acknowledged the best outcomes often come from not one person but rather “a pretty decent size group.”

Najarian would clearly be intrigued about being a voice in the Vikings organization. “I love the sport. I think it’s a lot of fun. I don’t think it’s as complicated as a lot of the time I hear people talk about. It still comes down to (this): are you approaching things the right way at the right time?”

Regarding beleaguered quarterback J.J.McCarthy, Najarain doesn’t think Vikings fans are approaching things the right way. He sees an inexperienced 22-year-old in his first NFL season not having the protection and support needed by an offensive line that because of injuries has seldom been together.

McCarthy has been frequently sacked and pressured all season. His spotty performance has made him a target of boos and concerns he isn’t talented enough to become the franchise quarterback.

Najarian counters that it’s pretty simple with the McCarthy situation. Give him more line support and time to mature. “I think this is a really good player who has an incredible amount of grit within him and he just needs an offensive line that gives him a little bit of time. …”

While Najarian contemplates making a contribution with a pro organization like the Vikings, he is also considering a role in college football. He attended more college games this fall than at any time in several previous years and he’s intrigued about the development of general managers in the sport. Former pro footballers Ron Rivera at Cal and Andrew Luck at Stanford are examples of general managers at those schools. The Gophers have had Geritt Chernoff in place for years on coach P.J. Fleck’s staff.

Najarian has had conversations with college programs. He and wife Lisa would be willing to relocate from Minnesota. “If it’s the right place at the right time I would do it,” he said.

Whether it’s a divorce from the investment world and marriage with a new football career, or a part time gig even as a consultant, the wheels are turning with Najarian. Having mastered one career, he is confident about another.

“I am an out of the box thinker. And I look at certain things and I watch games and I see things a little bit differently than others.”

When it comes to football, “the juices are going again” for Najarian who years ago was interested in becoming athletic director at the U.

“So, pretty excited about the possibilities that are out there but it’s still early,” he said.

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