The quarterback carousel is already spinning, and all eyes are on Kirk Cousins as the offseason ramps up. While the Atlanta Falcons have been tight-lipped about their plans, the writing’s on the wall: once Michael Penix Jr. is healthy, he’s expected to take the reins.
That leaves Cousins-coming off an Achilles injury and heading into his age-38 season-likely on the move. And one destination is starting to make a lot of sense: the New York Jets.
The Jets, who just brought in Frank Reich as offensive coordinator, are in desperate need of stability under center. They’ve cycled through quarterbacks like it’s a bad habit, and after the chaos of the past few seasons, Cousins could offer exactly what they’ve been missing-veteran leadership, pocket poise, and the ability to command an offense from Day 1.
Let’s be clear: Cousins isn’t the same player he was a few years ago. That Achilles tear in 2023 cost him what little mobility he had left, and at this stage in his career, he’s a pure pocket passer.
But that might actually work in his favor under Reich, who has traditionally favored quarterbacks who can stand tall, absorb pressure, and deliver with timing and accuracy. Cousins fits that mold.
He’s 6-foot-3, has a strong arm, and has made a living off of dissecting defenses from the pocket.
The Jets, for their part, are better positioned than many give them credit for. Garrett Wilson is a legitimate WR1-explosive, reliable, and the kind of target Cousins could thrive with.
If Breece Hall returns as expected, the running game will give the offense some much-needed balance. And while the offensive line has had its ups and downs, it’s far from the liability it once was.
There’s also some intriguing depth. Adonai Mitchell and John Metchie have flashed potential, and tight end Mason Taylor could become a go-to target in the middle of the field-much like Kyle Pitts was for Cousins late in his Atlanta stint. If Reich can scheme up ways to get the ball out quickly and lean on play-action, this offense could be functional, maybe even solid.
Reich’s track record with quarterbacks is worth noting. He’s gotten quality production out of guys like Carson Wentz, Jacoby Brissett, and Philip Rivers. He knows how to tailor an offense to a veteran quarterback’s strengths-and Cousins, for all the questions about his age and health, still has the arm and the experience to make it work.
There’s also a bit of shared history here. Reich coached Matt Ryan in Indianapolis in 2022, a connection that could have helped open the door to this Jets opportunity. That season didn’t go well for either of them, but the familiarity between Reich and Atlanta’s front office might have played a role in aligning these pieces.
Of course, there are risks. Cousins is approaching 38, and coming off a major injury.
Reich hasn’t had a winning season since his early days in Indy. But for a Jets team that’s been stuck in quarterback purgatory for years, this pairing might be their best shot at turning the page.
If Cousins wants to keep playing-and all signs point to that-New York offers a path forward. It’s not a championship-ready roster, but it’s not the rebuild it once was either. And with Reich calling plays and Cousins under center, the Jets might finally have a foundation they can build on.