What’s Next for Kirk Cousins? Six Potential Paths as the Veteran QB Hits Free Agency Again
Kirk Cousins is heading back to free agency.
According to reports, the Atlanta Falcons are expected to release the 14-year veteran quarterback ahead of the new league year on March 11. That move would give Cousins full control over his next step-whether that’s finding a new team, returning to a familiar one, or potentially stepping away from the game altogether.
At 37, Cousins is still a viable starting quarterback in the NFL. He’s coming off a season where he kept turnovers in check-his 1.9% interception rate in 2025 was the fifth-lowest of his career.
That kind of ball security, paired with his experience and leadership, makes him a compelling option for teams looking to stabilize the quarterback position. Let’s take a closer look at six potential landing spots-or exits-for the four-time Pro Bowler.
1. Minnesota Vikings: A Familiar Door Could Reopen
If there’s a reunion on the table, this one makes the most sense.
Cousins spent six seasons in Minnesota (2018-2023), and while things didn’t always go smoothly, he was a steady presence under center. After a rough 2024 season filled with turnovers, he bounced back last year with more efficient play. And with the Vikings’ current quarterback situation, a return could be mutually beneficial.
Rookie J.J. McCarthy had a rocky debut season.
In 10 starts, he completed just 57.6% of his passes for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Those aren’t numbers that scream “franchise quarterback”-at least not yet.
While young QBs often need time to develop, the Vikings are in a tough spot. They can’t afford to waste another season waiting for McCarthy to figure it out if the rest of the roster is ready to compete.
Bringing Cousins back could offer a bridge-one that’s already been built and tested.
2. New York Jets: A Tough Sell, but a Clear Need
If Cousins is looking for a challenge, the Jets might fit the bill.
New York’s quarterback situation is, frankly, a mess. The Justin Fields experiment didn’t work out, and the team is expected to move on from him this offseason.
Financially, they can soften the blow by designating him a post-June 1 release, saving $10 million against the cap. But even with that move, the Jets are far from playoff contention.
For Cousins, the question becomes: is it worth it? Does he want to spend what could be his final NFL season grinding through another rebuild and playing out cold December games with little on the line?
If he’s still driven by the love of the game-and not just a shot at contention-then maybe. But this would be more about passion than practicality.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers: A Veteran Stopgap, If Rodgers Walks
Pittsburgh could be an intriguing option, depending on how the offseason shakes out.
Aaron Rodgers, who started for the Steelers in 2025, has a long-standing relationship with head coach Mike McCarthy from their Green Bay days. If Rodgers decides to run it back, the Steelers likely won’t be in the market for Cousins. But if Rodgers retires-reportedly to spend more time with his wife-then Pittsburgh could be looking for another veteran to hold down the fort.
Cousins fits that mold. He’s a proven leader who can step into a locker room and command respect. He may not be a long-term answer, but he’s a smart, low-risk option while the franchise figures out what’s next at quarterback.
4. Miami Dolphins: A Clean Slate in South Florida?
The Dolphins are in flux, especially at quarterback.
Tua Tagovailoa has $54 million guaranteed for 2026, which complicates things. A trade would be the cleanest exit, but there’s reportedly little market for him right now.
Releasing him wouldn’t offer much cap relief either, no matter when it’s done. That said, Miami already made significant changes this offseason, bringing in a new general manager and head coach.
If they’re serious about turning the page, cutting ties with Tua might just be the next step.
Enter Cousins.
He likely has higher-paying options elsewhere, but after earning over $330 million in guaranteed money across his career, he might be open to a team-friendly deal-especially for the right fit. Miami offers a warm climate, a talented roster, and a fresh offensive system under new coordinator Bobby Slowik.
Slowik and Cousins have a small connection from their Washington days in 2013, when Slowik was a defensive assistant and Cousins was a rookie. That familiarity, even if distant, could help fast-track the transition.
5. Las Vegas Raiders: A Bridge to the Future
This one could get interesting.
The Raiders are expected to draft 2025 Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick. But that doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll start right away. With a new coaching staff coming in-led by soon-to-be head coach Klint Kubiak-there’s a compelling case to be made for easing Mendoza into the NFL.
Kubiak and Cousins have history. In 2021, with Kubiak as Minnesota’s offensive coordinator, Cousins had one of his best seasons: 4,221 yards, 33 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions.
That prior success could make Cousins an ideal short-term solution while Mendoza gets his feet under him. One year, one job: keep the offense competitive and help mentor the rookie.
It’s a role Cousins could thrive in.
6. Retirement or TV: The End of the Road?
Of course, there’s always the possibility that Cousins decides to walk away.
He turns 38 in August, and after 14 seasons, he’s already accomplished more than most expected from a fourth-round pick. According to Stathead, only Tom Brady-another late-round gem-has started more games among quarterbacks drafted in the fourth round or later since the 1970 merger.
If this is the end, there’s no shame in it. Cousins has carved out a remarkable career through consistency, professionalism, and a steady hand at one of the game’s toughest positions.
And if he’s not ready to fully step away, the broadcast booth could be calling. His intelligence, poise, and experience would make him a natural fit for a studio analyst role.
Final Word
Kirk Cousins may not be the flashiest name on the free-agent market, but he’s still one of the most reliable. Whether he returns to Minnesota, takes on a mentorship role, or decides to hang it up, he’s earned the right to choose his next chapter on his own terms. And whatever path he picks, it’ll be worth watching.