Kirk Cousins' time in Atlanta might be winding down, and the writing on the wall is getting harder to ignore.
The veteran quarterback wrapped up his second season with the Falcons in 2025, stepping back into the starting role after Michael Penix Jr. went down with a season-ending injury. Cousins started the year as QB1, but a string of underwhelming performances and shaky results led then-head coach Raheem Morris to bench him.
He did return to action and ended up playing in 10 games, completing 166 of 269 passes for 1,721 yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Not terrible, but not enough to silence the questions about his long-term fit in Atlanta.
Now, with Matt Ryan stepping into the front office as the Falcons’ new President of Football and Kevin Stefanski taking over as head coach, change is clearly in the air. And Cousins, a four-time Pro Bowler, might not be part of the new vision unless he’s willing to renegotiate his deal on more team-friendly terms.
If Cousins hits the open market, don’t be surprised if there’s more interest than some might expect. He’s still a capable, experienced quarterback who can bring stability to a team in need of leadership under center. And there are a few franchises out there that could be very interested.
One possibility? A reunion with the Minnesota Vikings.
With Sam Darnold heading to Seattle in free agency and Daniel Jones also departing, the Vikings’ quarterback room is looking thin on experience. Cousins has history in Minnesota and familiarity with head coach Kevin O’Connell, which could make the transition smoother if the Vikings decide to go that route.
Another team to watch is the Indianapolis Colts. They reportedly had their eye on bringing back Daniel Jones before his season-ending injury derailed those plans. If Jones isn’t ready to go by Week 1, Cousins could be a reliable stopgap - someone who can manage the offense and keep the team competitive while the long-term picture gets sorted out.
Then there’s the New York Jets. Last season’s gamble on Justin Fields didn’t exactly pay off, and while Fields still has upside, the Jets might be looking for a steadier hand to guide the offense. With a new offensive coordinator in place, there’s potential for growth, but bringing in a veteran like Cousins could offer some much-needed consistency, especially if Fields continues to struggle.
Bottom line: Cousins may not be the long-term answer for any of these teams, but he’s still a proven commodity in a league where quarterback stability is hard to come by. Whether it’s a return to Minnesota, a bridge role in Indy, or a stabilizing presence in New York, there’s a good chance we haven’t seen the last of Kirk Cousins as a starting quarterback in the NFL.