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Kirk Cousins isn't officially back in No. 8, yet

NBC Sports • November 11, 2026 • general

Key Points:

Kirk Cousins has returned to the Minnesota Vikings but currently does not have an assigned jersey number, as No. 8 is worn by safety Jakobe Thomas, a recent third-round draft pick.
It is expected that Thomas will likely give up No. 8 to Cousins, potentially in exchange for a charitable contribution or after Cousins appears wearing the number in practice.
An unlikely but interesting possibility is that Hall of Famer Fran Tarkenton might offer to temporarily unretire his No. 10 for Cousins, though this is considered unusual and not favored by the author.
The most practical outcome is Cousins reclaiming No. 8, while Thomas selects another available number such as No. 9 or No. 6, which he previously wore in college.