Kirk Cousins is headed back to the broadcast booth for the NFL’s divisional and championship rounds - and once again, he’s stepping into a role recently vacated by Matt Ryan.
CBS announced that Cousins will be joining its broadcast team for the upcoming playoff games, taking over for Ryan, who’s now fully committed to his new role as president of football for the Atlanta Falcons. Ryan had been working as a game analyst for CBS, but with his front-office responsibilities ramping up, he’s stepping away from the mic to focus on reshaping the Falcons from the top down.
Cousins, meanwhile, is no stranger to the booth. He made his broadcasting debut last year during the AFC Championship Game on ESPN, and now he’ll get another shot to flex his football IQ in front of a national audience. Known for his cerebral approach to the game, Cousins brings firsthand experience and a quarterback’s perspective that should add depth to the playoff coverage - especially with so many high-stakes matchups on the horizon.
There’s a bit of poetic symmetry here. Cousins is once again following in Ryan’s footsteps, just as he did on the field.
After Ryan’s departure from Atlanta in 2021, the Falcons cycled through Desmond Ridder for two seasons before making a major move in 2024, signing Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal that included $100 million guaranteed. At the time, it was seen as a franchise-defining decision - a bold swing to stabilize the quarterback position with a proven veteran.
But things haven’t gone according to plan.
Cousins struggled through a rough 2024 campaign, leading the league in interceptions and fumbles. Then came the injuries, which sidelined him for much of the 2025 season.
It’s been a tough stretch for a player who was expected to be the steady hand Atlanta needed. Instead, the Falcons are left with questions about the future at quarterback - and Cousins, at least for now, is pivoting back to the analyst chair.
It’s not unusual for NFL figures to juggle both media and front-office roles. Tom Brady, part-owner of the Raiders, is also a color commentator with Fox Sports. But in Ryan’s case, the decision to step away from broadcasting signals just how seriously he’s taking his new role in Atlanta’s front office.
As for Cousins, this return to the booth offers a chance to stay connected to the game while he works his way back from injury. And with his deep knowledge of offensive schemes, defensive tendencies, and playoff pressure, he’s well-equipped to break things down for fans watching at home.
Whether this signals a longer-term shift in Cousins’s career or just a temporary detour remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure - come playoff time, he’ll be back on our screens, this time with a headset instead of a helmet.