When the Atlanta Falcons signed Kirk Cousins in the 2024 offseason, it looked like a clear signal: they were ready to win now. With a solid supporting cast already in place-playmakers on offense and a defense that was quietly improving-the addition of a seasoned quarterback like Cousins felt like the final piece to push Atlanta back into serious playoff contention.
But then came the curveball. Just weeks later, the Falcons used their first-round pick on Michael Penix Jr., a highly talented but injury-prone quarterback.
The move raised eyebrows across the league. Was this a long-term insurance policy?
A succession plan? Or a sign that the Falcons weren’t as all-in on Cousins as it first appeared?
As the 2024 season unfolded, things didn’t go according to plan. Cousins started the year but struggled mightily, finishing with just two more touchdowns than interceptions.
His play declined sharply, and by the end of the year, he wasn’t even the starter. That role had shifted to Penix-until a torn ACL sidelined the rookie, forcing Cousins back under center.
To his credit, Cousins played better down the stretch. He wasn’t spectacular, but he stabilized the offense enough to keep things afloat.
Still, it wasn’t enough to convince Atlanta to commit long-term. The team restructured his contract, setting him up to hit free agency this offseason.
Now, with Kevin Stefanski stepping in as the Falcons’ new head coach, the question becomes: does he see value in keeping a veteran like Cousins around? Or is it time for both sides to move on?
Cousins’ Future: Familiar Faces or Fresh Starts?
If Cousins does hit the open market, there are a couple of landing spots that make sense-and a few that don’t.
According to Kristopher Knox, two teams stand out as potential destinations: the Minnesota Vikings and the New York Jets. The contrast between the two couldn’t be more stark.
Let’s start with Minnesota. Cousins knows the Vikings inside and out.
He made his last Pro Bowl appearance under current head coach Kevin O’Connell and thrived in that system. The Vikings still boast one of the league’s better receiving corps, and if they’re not fully sold on J.J.
McCarthy-who dealt with injuries throughout 2025-it’s not hard to imagine a reunion. There’s familiarity, chemistry, and a system tailored to Cousins’ strengths.
If he’s looking for a place to compete right away, Minnesota might be the most seamless fit.
Then there’s the Jets. On paper, it’s a tough sell.
The offensive supporting cast is thin, the offensive line has been a revolving door, and the AFC East remains a gauntlet. At 37, Cousins isn’t built to carry a team lacking in foundational pieces.
He needs protection, weapons, and structure-none of which the Jets have consistently offered in recent years. For a quarterback in the twilight of his career, chasing one more playoff run, New York seems like a mismatch.
A Career at a Crossroads
Cousins is at a pivotal moment. His time in Atlanta appears to be nearing its end, and the next move could define how his NFL story concludes. He’s no longer the hot free-agent commodity he once was, but in the right situation, he can still be a reliable starter-especially in a league where quarterback play is as volatile as ever.
His time in Minnesota ended on a sour note with a torn Achilles, but the success he had there-especially under O’Connell-shouldn’t be forgotten. If the Vikings are open to a reunion, it could give Cousins the best shot at a strong finish to his career.
As for the Jets, they’re still trying to figure out who their quarterback of the future is. Justin Fields seems unlikely to return, and outside of Fernando Mendoza-expected to go No. 1 overall-the 2026 quarterback class doesn’t offer many sure things. Throwing Cousins into that mix feels like a poor fit for both sides.
Bottom line: Cousins isn’t the player he once was, but he’s not done yet. The right team, the right system, and the right situation could give him one last shot to prove he still belongs.