Kirk Cousins Set to Hit Free Agency Again: What’s Next for the Veteran QB?
Kirk Cousins is headed back to the open market.
According to reports, the Atlanta Falcons are expected to release the veteran quarterback before the start of the new league year on March 11. That move would free up Cousins to decide where - or even if - he wants to suit up in 2026. Now 14 seasons into his NFL career, the four-time Pro Bowler finds himself at another crossroads, with several intriguing paths ahead.
Let’s break down six potential landing spots - including the possibility that Cousins has taken his last NFL snap.
Minnesota Vikings: A Familiar Fit
If there’s a “football home” for Cousins, it’s Minnesota. After six seasons as the Vikings’ starter from 2018 to 2023, a reunion could make a lot of sense - for both sides.
Cousins quietly cleaned up the turnover issues that plagued his 2024 campaign, finishing the 2025 season with just a 1.9% interception rate - the fifth-lowest of his career. That kind of ball security is hard to find, especially for a team like Minnesota that’s still trying to stabilize its quarterback room.
The Vikings handed the keys to J.J. McCarthy in 2025, but the rookie’s first season was a rollercoaster.
He completed just 57.6% of his passes (140-of-243) for 1,632 yards, with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions across 10 starts. While it's true that young quarterbacks often need time to develop, the Vikings may not be in a position to wait.
If McCarthy doesn’t show significant growth early in 2026, bringing back Cousins - even as a stopgap - could be the most logical move to stay competitive.
New York Jets: A Tough Sell
On paper, the Jets desperately need a quarterback. The Justin Fields experiment didn’t pan out, and with a potential post-June 1 release, New York could save $10 million in cap space while absorbing a $22 million dead cap hit.
But this isn’t just about numbers. The Jets are a long way from playoff contention, and for a veteran like Cousins, the idea of finishing his career in cold-weather December games with nothing on the line might not be all that appealing. If he’s still chasing wins, the Jets may not offer the right kind of opportunity - unless he’s simply looking to play for the love of the game.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Veteran Bridge?
The Steelers are a team that makes sense - at least on the surface. There’s a strong roster, a winning culture, and a potential opening under center. But the wildcard here is Aaron Rodgers.
Rodgers started for Pittsburgh in 2025, and with his long-standing relationship with head coach Mike McCarthy (from their Green Bay days), the team could be inclined to run it back if Rodgers chooses to return. However, if Rodgers decides to retire - and walk away to spend more time with his family - Cousins could emerge as a natural fit.
He’d give the Steelers a steady hand while they continue searching for their next franchise quarterback. It wouldn’t be a long-term fix, but it could be the kind of short-term solution Pittsburgh needs to stay relevant in a loaded AFC.
Miami Dolphins: A Clean Slate?
The Dolphins are in a tricky spot with Tua Tagovailoa. He’s already guaranteed $54 million for 2026, and moving on from that contract wouldn’t be easy.
A trade would be ideal, but the market isn’t exactly buzzing. Even releasing him would cost Miami cap space, no matter when it happens.
Still, with changes already made at general manager and head coach, this could be the moment for a full reset - and Cousins could be part of that equation.
Financially, Cousins could probably find a bigger payday elsewhere. But after earning over $330 million in guaranteed money throughout his career, he might be willing to take a smaller deal for the right fit. Miami could offer that - a stable offense under new coordinator Bobby Slowik, who was just promoted by head coach Jeff Hafley.
There’s even a bit of shared history here: Slowik was a defensive assistant in Washington during Cousins’ rookie year back in 2013. It’s not much, but it’s a thread worth pulling. If Miami is serious about turning the page, Cousins could give them a veteran presence to guide that transition.
Las Vegas Raiders: Mentor Mode
The Raiders are widely expected to draft 2025 Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in April. But that doesn’t necessarily mean Mendoza has to start right away.
Enter Cousins.
If Las Vegas wants to ease Mendoza into the NFL, Cousins could be the perfect bridge. He’s done it all, seen it all, and still has enough left in the tank to win games - especially in the right system.
One of Cousins’ best statistical seasons came in 2021, when he threw for over 4,200 yards with 33 touchdowns and just seven interceptions. His offensive coordinator that year? Klint Kubiak - who’s now expected to take over as the Raiders’ head coach after Super Bowl LX.
That prior success together could be a major factor. If the Raiders want to bring Mendoza along slowly, Cousins could offer the ideal blend of mentorship and on-field production.
Retirement or TV: The Other Door
Of course, there’s always the possibility that Cousins decides to call it a career.
He turns 38 in August, and he’s already accomplished more than most fourth-round picks ever dream of. According to Stathead, only Tom Brady - a sixth-rounder - has started more games among quarterbacks drafted in the fourth round or later since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger.
That’s elite company.
If Cousins decides to hang up the cleats, there’s no shame in it. He’s had a remarkable run, carving out a long, successful career in a league that chews up quarterbacks fast. There’s also buzz that TV could be an option, and with his football IQ and personality, it’s easy to see that path working out.
Bottom Line
Wherever Cousins lands - whether it’s back in purple, starting fresh in a new city, or stepping into a broadcast booth - he’s earned the right to make that choice on his terms.
He’s no longer just a former fourth-round pick. He’s a proven starter, a locker room leader, and one of the most consistent quarterbacks of his generation. And now, in what could be the final chapter of his career, Cousins has options - and plenty of teams that could use what he still brings to the table.