As the second week of NFL free agency wraps up, Kirk Cousins remains a standout name on the market. Once a major acquisition for the Atlanta Falcons, Cousins' tenure there didn't quite hit the heights expected after his hefty $180 million contract. Despite the consensus that his prime might have passed, Cousins showed flashes of his old self late last season, hinting that he might still have some magic left.
Now, Cousins is on the hunt for a new team. Ideally, he’s aiming for a starting role, but realistically, he might need to settle for a spot where he can compete for the job. According to Jason La Canfora of SportsBoom, Cousins might take his time, waiting until later in the offseason to see if any starting positions open up due to unforeseen circumstances like injuries.
La Canfora notes, “Veteran Kirk Cousins is seen as the best quarterback still without an NFL team at this point.” This suggests that Cousins might strategically delay his decision, keeping an eye on potential opportunities.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly keeping tabs on Cousins, especially as they await Aaron Rodgers' retirement decision. If Rodgers hangs up his cleats, Cousins could be a prime candidate to step in and compete with Will Howard and Mason Rudolph for the starting spot.
Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Raiders are eyeing Cousins as a seasoned backup. With plans to draft Fernando Mendoza, the Raiders could benefit from Cousins' experience, both as a reliable backup and as a mentor to the young quarterback.
There’s also chatter about Cousins' potential fit with the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers due to his past connections with head coaches Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay. However, unless Cousins exhausts all starting opportunities, a backup role with these teams seems unlikely at this stage.
While Jimmy Garoppolo seems destined for a return to Los Angeles, and the 49ers are unlikely to part with Mac Jones given the high asking price, Cousins' future remains uncertain. The Steelers present a logical option if Rodgers retires, and the Raiders could provide a stable environment for Cousins to contribute meaningfully, whether as a starter or a key veteran presence.
In the ever-shifting landscape of the NFL, Cousins' next move will be one to watch, as teams look to balance immediate needs with long-term aspirations.