Kirk Cousins Expected to Hit the Market - Here Are Five NFL Teams That Could Make Sense
Kirk Cousins might be on the move again.
According to reports, the Atlanta Falcons are expected to release the veteran quarterback before the new league year kicks off. And while Cousins still wants to play, the door isn’t completely shut on retirement or a potential career in broadcasting. But for now, let’s focus on what he can still offer under center - because despite the uncertainty, Cousins closed out his Falcons stint with four straight wins and showed he can still run an NFL offense with poise and efficiency.
So, if Cousins does hit free agency in March, where could he land next? Let’s break down five teams that could be a natural fit for the 35-year-old quarterback.
Minnesota Vikings: A Familiar Face in a Familiar Place
If you’re looking for a reunion that just feels right, this is it.
Minnesota is expected to bring in some veteran competition for J.J. McCarthy, and Cousins - who spent six seasons in purple and gold - knows the system, the city, and the expectations.
He left Minnesota on good terms, and if he’s open to mentoring while still competing for the starting job, this could be a win-win. The Vikings get a proven veteran who understands the offense, and Cousins gets a real shot at extending his career in a place where he’s already built strong relationships.
Cleveland Browns: A Clear Path to a Starting Job
If Cousins is looking for the clearest runway to a starting role, Cleveland might be the best option.
The Browns are entering a new chapter under head coach Todd Monken, and while the roster has its share of question marks - particularly on offense - Cousins would bring instant stability to the quarterback room. He’s the kind of steady presence who could help guide a young offense through growing pains. The fit might not be perfect from a weapons standpoint, but the opportunity to start from Day 1 is hard to ignore.
New York Jets: A Veteran Answer for a Team That Needs One
The Jets have been searching for consistency at quarterback for what feels like forever. If Cousins is available, they’d be wise to pick up the phone.
Compared to the rollercoaster that came with Aaron Rodgers, Cousins offers a more straightforward, no-drama approach. He’d be stepping into a roster that has talent on both sides of the ball and is built to win now - they just need someone to steer the ship.
Cousins could be that guy. He won’t light up the highlight reels every week, but he can deliver wins, and that’s exactly what the Jets need.
Arizona Cardinals: A Bridge to Stability
Kyler Murray’s future in Arizona remains murky, and that opens the door for a veteran like Cousins to step in and provide some stability.
New head coach Mike LaFleur is expected to implement a Shanahan/McVay-style offense - a system Cousins knows well from his days in Washington and Minnesota. If the Cardinals decide to move on from Murray, Cousins could be the perfect short-term solution. He’d give Arizona a reliable presence under center while LaFleur installs his system and the front office figures out the long-term plan.
Pittsburgh Steelers: A Veteran Option for a New Era
If Aaron Rodgers retires, Pittsburgh could emerge as a dark horse in the Cousins sweepstakes.
With Mike McCarthy taking over in his first year as Steelers head coach, bringing in a veteran like Cousins would give the offense a steady hand and a proven leader in the locker room. The Steelers have long prided themselves on stability and toughness - two qualities Cousins has consistently brought throughout his career. It’s not the flashiest move, but it could be one of the smartest.
Bottom Line
Kirk Cousins may not be the long-term answer for every team, but he’s still a capable NFL starter - and in a league where quarterback play is at a premium, that matters. Whether he returns to a familiar home or finds a new one, Cousins has options. And come March, he’ll be one of the most intriguing names on the free-agent market.