Kirk Cousins Set to Hit the Market Again: Where Could the Veteran QB Land Next?
Kirk Cousins is once again preparing to change jerseys. After two seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, the veteran quarterback is expected to be released, opening the door for what could be the final chapter in a productive NFL career.
Cousins arrived in Atlanta in 2024 on a four-year, $180 million deal, but the Falcons pivoted quickly, handing the reins to rookie Michael Penix Jr. midway through the season. When Penix went down with a knee injury in 2025, Cousins stepped back in and delivered - leading the Falcons to a 5-3 finish, including a four-game win streak to close out the year.
Statistically, Cousins was steady in limited action: 1,721 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions. At 37 years old, he’s not the long-term answer for most teams - but for a franchise looking to stabilize the quarterback room or make a playoff push, Cousins still brings value. He’s experienced, accurate, and understands how to operate within a system.
So, where could he land next? Let’s break down a few intriguing possibilities.
Minnesota Vikings: A Familiar Face in a Familiar Place
Could a reunion in Minnesota be on the horizon?
There’s buzz that the Vikings are seriously considering bringing Cousins back, and it makes a lot of sense. He spent six seasons in Minnesota, throwing for over 23,000 yards and 171 touchdowns, with a passer rating of 101.2 - numbers that speak to both consistency and command of the offense. His tenure ended in 2023 with a torn Achilles, but his impact on the franchise was undeniable.
Now, with J.J. McCarthy coming off an injury-riddled rookie campaign, Minnesota may be in the market for a steady hand - someone who can push McCarthy, mentor him, or even take the reins if needed.
Cousins already knows Kevin O’Connell’s system and has proven he can thrive in it. If the Vikings are looking for a high-floor option who can still win games, Cousins fits the bill.
And given the reported price tag of $15-$20 million, it's a manageable investment for a team that still believes it can contend in the NFC North.
New York Jets: A Veteran Answer to a Lingering Question
The Jets' quarterback carousel continues to spin. After signing Justin Fields in 2025, New York benched him in favor of Tyrod Taylor midseason - another year, another reset. With the No. 2 pick in the upcoming draft, many expected the Jets to grab a top QB prospect, but with Oregon’s Dante Moore opting to stay in school, the landscape has shifted.
Enter Cousins.
New York has long admired the veteran QB. Back in 2018, they made a serious push for him in free agency, offering a three-year, $90 million deal. Cousins ultimately chose Minnesota, but the interest was real - and now, with the Jets still searching for stability under center, the timing could be right.
Cousins wouldn’t be walking into a ready-made contender, but he would likely be the Week 1 starter. For a franchise desperate to end the longest playoff drought in major American sports, a quarterback who can protect the football and move the chains might be exactly what they need.
Cleveland Browns: A Bridge to Something Bigger?
Cleveland’s quarterback room is crowded, but clarity is lacking. With Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel entering their second seasons and Deshaun Watson’s future still murky, the Browns could turn to a veteran to steady the ship under new head coach Todd Monken.
Cousins fits that mold.
Monken’s offenses have historically thrived with quarterbacks who can operate efficiently in the intermediate game - and that’s Cousins’ bread and butter. He’s not flashy, but he’s surgical when given time and rhythm. For a team with a Super Bowl-caliber defense, adding a quarterback who won’t lose you games could be enough to make a serious postseason run.
If Sanders and Gabriel aren’t ready, and Watson isn’t the long-term answer, Cousins could be the short-term solution that keeps Cleveland competitive while the young talent develops.
Arizona Cardinals: A New Era in the Desert?
The Cardinals appear to be heading toward a reset at quarterback. Kyler Murray, once the face of the franchise, hasn’t delivered the results Arizona hoped for over seven seasons. There’s no head coach in place yet, and Jacoby Brissett is currently the most experienced QB on the roster.
But there’s offensive potential in Arizona - and plenty of it. Trey McBride, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Michael Wilson give the Cardinals a trio of pass-catchers that could thrive with the right quarterback.
And here’s where things get interesting: Drew Petzing, Arizona’s offensive coordinator, was Cousins’ assistant QB coach in Minnesota back in 2018 and 2019. There’s familiarity there, and that could go a long way in building trust and continuity.
If the Cardinals are looking for a veteran to guide a young offense and set the tone for a new era, Cousins could be a smart, stabilizing presence.
The Bottom Line
Kirk Cousins may not be the long-term answer for any franchise at this stage in his career, but he’s far from done. He’s proven he can win games, lead locker rooms, and elevate an offense when given the right pieces. Whether it’s a reunion in Minnesota, a fresh start in New York, a bridge role in Cleveland, or a leadership position in Arizona, Cousins will have options.
And whichever team signs him won’t just be getting a quarterback - they’ll be getting a professional who knows how to prepare, compete, and win.