Could Kirk Cousins Be the Bridge Arizona Needs? A Closer Look at the Cardinals’ Quarterback Options
GLENDALE - The Arizona Cardinals are headed into a pivotal offseason, and the quarterback question looms large. With Kyler Murray expected to be on the move and Jacoby Brissett unlikely to be the long-term answer, all eyes are on the open market - and a familiar name just became available.
According to reports, the Atlanta Falcons plan to release veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins when the new league year begins in March. That move would make the 37-year-old a free agent just two seasons into his four-year, $180 million deal signed in 2024. For a Cardinals team in transition, the timing could be intriguing.
Let’s be clear: Cousins isn’t a long-term fix. But for a franchise looking to stay competitive while it retools, he could be exactly what the Cardinals need - a steady hand under center who knows how to win games and lead a locker room.
Why Cousins Makes Sense for Arizona - At Least for Now
Arizona’s quarterback room is in flux. Brissett, last year’s starter, is 33 and has proven to be a capable stopgap, but not the kind of player you build a future around. With a 2026 draft class that isn’t exactly overflowing with elite quarterback prospects, the Cardinals may need a bridge - and Cousins fits that mold.
He’s not just a name with past accolades. Cousins has a career record of 88-77-2 and hasn’t had a losing season as a starter since 2020. That kind of consistency would be a breath of fresh air for a Cardinals franchise that hasn’t posted a winning season since 2021 - the same year they last made the playoffs.
If ownership’s postseason press conference was any indication, the message is clear: the Cardinals want to win now. Owner Michael Bidwill and GM Monti Ossenfort didn’t mince words - the goal is to be competitive in 2026. That makes a one-year deal for Cousins a logical possibility, especially if the team wants to keep the door open for a quarterback in the 2027 draft.
A Fit With Mike LaFleur’s System?
The addition of new head coach Mike LaFleur adds another layer to the equation. LaFleur is expected to bring a modern, quarterback-friendly offense to Arizona. Having a veteran like Cousins - who’s seen just about every coverage and defensive wrinkle the league can throw at him - could ease that transition.
Cousins’ ability to quickly process defenses and make smart, on-time throws would give LaFleur a reliable option to install his system without the growing pains of a rookie or a less-experienced starter. And while Cousins might not push Arizona into Super Bowl contention overnight, he could absolutely keep them in the mix for a wildcard spot in what’s shaping up to be a wide-open NFC.
Low-Risk, High-Upside Move?
Financially, Cousins might not break the bank either. Once released, he’ll be free to negotiate with any team, and early indications suggest he could be open to a short-term, low-cost deal - especially if it comes with a starting opportunity.
There’s been some chatter about a possible reunion with the Minnesota Vikings, where Cousins spent six productive seasons. But with J.J.
McCarthy now in the fold, Minnesota may be leaning toward a youth movement. That could open the door for Arizona to swoop in with a clearer path to the starting job.
What’s Next?
While nothing is set in stone, the Cardinals are clearly evaluating all options - and Cousins is one of the most intriguing names on the board. He brings experience, leadership, and a track record of winning - all things Arizona could use right now.
The big question is whether the Cardinals see 2026 as a year to rebuild or a year to compete. If it’s the latter, Cousins could be the bridge quarterback who helps steady the ship and guide them into the next era - one that, ideally, includes a franchise QB waiting in the wings.
For now, the clock is ticking toward March, and Arizona has a decision to make. Kirk Cousins might not be the future, but he could be exactly what the Cardinals need in the present.