As the NFL offseason ramps up, one of the more intriguing quarterback storylines centers on Kirk Cousins and where he might land next. After stepping in for the Atlanta Falcons late last season-following Michael Penix Jr.’s ACL injury-Cousins did more than just steady the ship.
He helped Atlanta close out the year with four straight wins, even if those victories didn’t carry playoff implications. Still, they were a reminder that Cousins, now a seasoned vet, can still deliver solid football when called upon.
Now, as free agency approaches, the question isn’t just whether Cousins will find a new home-it’s where he fits best in a league where quarterback needs are as pressing as ever.
One team that’s surfaced in the conversation: the Miami Dolphins. With Tua Tagovailoa benched late last season and his future in Miami uncertain, the Dolphins are staring at a major question mark under center.
Cousins could offer a short-term solution, especially for a team that still has playoff aspirations. But there’s a catch.
The Dolphins may be shifting their roster-building philosophy under new head coach Mike Macdonald. If Macdonald follows the blueprint he helped shape in Seattle-prioritizing defense first and cycling through mid-tier quarterbacks on manageable contracts-then Miami might steer clear of a big-ticket veteran like Cousins. The emphasis would be on preserving draft capital and targeting younger, cost-controlled talent to fill out the depth chart.
That strategy makes sense for a team trying to build sustainable success. But it also leaves the door open for a proven quarterback to step in if the right opportunity arises-and that’s where Cousins could still be in the mix, depending on how the offseason unfolds.
Another possible landing spot? A familiar one: Minnesota.
Cousins spent several years as the Vikings’ starter and knows Kevin O’Connell’s system inside and out. That kind of continuity is rare in the NFL, and it could be a lifeline for a team that just watched JJ McCarthy endure a rough rookie campaign. The Vikings’ offense sputtered throughout the year, and while McCarthy still has promise, it’s clear he’s not quite ready to carry the load on his own.
Cousins would bring stability and experience-two things Minnesota sorely lacked last season. But there’s a philosophical question at play here.
O’Connell has a reputation as a quarterback developer, someone who believes in grooming young talent rather than leaning too heavily on established veterans. That mindset could make the Vikings hesitant to bring Cousins back, especially if they’re committed to giving McCarthy every chance to grow into the role.
Still, when you look around the league, there aren’t many plug-and-play options better than Cousins. He might not be the long-term answer, but for a team in need of a steady hand and competent quarterback play, he’s arguably the best short-term fix available.
Whether it’s Miami, Minnesota, or a surprise suitor that emerges in the coming weeks, Cousins’ next move could have ripple effects across the quarterback landscape. For now, he remains one of the more intriguing names to watch as teams weigh their options-and their timelines-heading into 2026.