What’s Next for Kirk Cousins After Falcons Exit? Three Logical Landing Spots for the Veteran QB
With the Atlanta Falcons expected to part ways with Kirk Cousins next month, the veteran quarterback suddenly becomes one of the most intriguing names on the open market. The move is financially driven, not performance-based - and that distinction matters.
Cousins may be 37, but he’s still got something left in the tank. The only real question now is whether he wants to keep playing or hang it up and follow the Matt Ryan path into the broadcast booth.
If he does decide to suit up again, there’s going to be interest. Plenty of teams are in need of a steady, experienced hand under center - and Cousins, a four-time Pro Bowler, fits that bill. Let’s take a look at three potential landing spots that make the most sense for Cousins if he chooses to continue his NFL journey.
1. New York Jets: A Veteran Stabilizer for a Team in Flux
The Jets are no strangers to quarterback drama - and they’ve made it clear they’re not afraid to chase a big name to stabilize the position. With Aaron Rodgers still working his way back and the team in desperate need of a reliable insurance policy, Cousins could be a natural fit.
New offensive coordinator Frank Reich has a track record of working with traditional pocket passers, and Cousins fits that mold to a tee. Add in a revamped offensive line, a dynamic young back in Breece Hall, and a legitimate WR1 in Garrett Wilson, and you’ve got the pieces for a quarterback to succeed.
But here's the rub: the Jets are in a make-or-break year. The pressure is sky-high, and the coaching staff’s future is anything but secure.
Cousins has been around long enough to know that walking into a volatile situation might not be the wisest move - especially at this stage of his career. While the fit on paper is intriguing, the mutual interest might not be there.
2. Minnesota Vikings: A Familiar Face in a Familiar Place
Now here’s a reunion that makes sense on multiple levels. Cousins spent seven seasons in Minnesota, and his final two under head coach Kevin O’Connell were some of his most efficient.
He knows the system. He knows the city.
He knows the expectations.
The Vikings are in a transitional phase at quarterback. They’ve invested in J.J.
McCarthy, but they’re clearly looking for a veteran presence to either push or mentor the young signal-caller. Reuniting with Cousins would be a seamless move - no learning curve, no chemistry issues, just plug-and-play.
He thrived throwing to Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, and the offensive infrastructure remains largely intact. If the Vikings are looking for stability and leadership while McCarthy develops, Cousins is the most logical option. Sometimes the best move is the one you’ve already made.
3. Arizona Cardinals: A Quiet Fit with Big Upside
This one might fly under the radar, but don’t sleep on Arizona. With Kyler Murray’s future uncertain and trade rumors swirling, the Cardinals could be in the market for a new QB1. And Cousins, with his steady hand and low-drama demeanor, could be exactly what this franchise needs.
Arizona’s coaching staff is shifting toward an offensive-minded approach, with Mike LaFleur now in the building. LaFleur has roots in the Kyle Shanahan tree - and Shanahan, as we know, has long admired Cousins’ game. Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett also has familiarity with Cousins from their time in the NFC North, adding another layer of comfort.
This wouldn’t be a flashy move, but it would be a smart one. Cousins brings leadership, consistency, and a deep understanding of the game. For a team that’s trying to reset its identity, that could be invaluable.
The Bottom Line
Kirk Cousins may not be the future face of a franchise anymore, but he’s still a starting-caliber quarterback in this league. Whether he wants to keep playing is the million-dollar question, but if he does, he won’t be short on suitors. The Jets offer urgency, the Vikings offer familiarity, and the Cardinals offer a quiet opportunity to lead.
Wherever he lands, Cousins will bring professionalism, experience, and a high floor - and for teams on the brink, that might be exactly what they need.