As the NFL offseason rumor mill starts to heat up, one name continues to generate buzz: Kirk Cousins. The veteran quarterback, currently with the Atlanta Falcons, could be on the move - and former Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum believes New York might be the right landing spot.
Appearing on ESPN’s First Take on Friday, Tannenbaum laid out a case for why the Jets and Cousins could be a natural fit, even with the quarterback turning 38 and coming off an Achilles injury. “Believe it or not, a place where I think it makes a lot of sense is the New York Jets,” Tannenbaum said.
Let’s break that down.
Why the Jets?
Start with the offensive line - a group that’s been a sore spot for the Jets in recent years. But with young tackles Olu Fashanu and Armand Membou in the mix, there’s reason for optimism. Both bring athleticism and upside, and if they continue to develop, they could offer Cousins the kind of pocket stability he thrives with.
Then there’s the supporting cast. Garrett Wilson remains one of the league’s most dynamic young receivers, and tight end Mason Taylor has shown flashes that suggest he could become a reliable target in the middle of the field. Add in running back Breece Hall - assuming the Jets retain him via a new deal or the franchise tag - and suddenly you’re looking at a skill group that can compete with just about anyone.
Tannenbaum also pointed to the addition of Frank Reich as offensive coordinator, a move that could be particularly appealing to a veteran quarterback like Cousins. Reich has a history of getting solid production out of experienced QBs, and his offensive system could offer Cousins a chance to play to his strengths: quick reads, rhythm throws, and smart decision-making.
“I’m not saying they’re going to the Super Bowl with Kirk Cousins,” Tannenbaum said. “I think Kirk Cousins could resurrect his career and be productive for the Jets.”
What’s Cousins’ current situation?
Cousins began last season as the backup in Atlanta behind rookie Michael Penix Jr. But when Penix went down with a season-ending knee injury in Week 10, Cousins stepped in and took over.
He finished the season with a 61.7% completion rate, throwing for 1,721 yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Solid numbers, especially considering he was coming off a major injury and hadn’t started the year as the QB1.
Still, the financials are a looming issue in Atlanta. Cousins carries cap hits of $24.6 million in 2026 and a staggering $90.4 million in 2027.
That kind of number doesn’t just raise eyebrows - it practically guarantees tough decisions are coming. According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Falcons are expected to release him.
Why it could work for the Jets
The Jets are in a position to make a move. They’ve got seven picks in the first five rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft - including two first-rounders and two second-rounders. That kind of draft capital gives them flexibility, whether they want to build through the draft or package picks for veteran help.
If they decide to bring in Cousins, it wouldn’t necessarily mean they’re abandoning long-term plans at quarterback. But it could give them a bridge - a proven, steady hand who can help stabilize the offense and get the most out of a young, talented core.
Of course, there’s still the possibility that Cousins stays in Atlanta. Garafolo noted that a return to the Falcons isn’t off the table. But if he does hit the open market, the Jets are a team to watch.
No one’s crowning them contenders just yet. But if the Jets believe they’re a quarterback away - and if Cousins believes he’s got one more run in him - this could be a match that makes a lot of football sense.