Kirk Cousins to the Jets? Why That Idea Isn’t as Simple as It Sounds
When the topic of Kirk Cousins potentially joining the New York Jets came up on ESPN’s First Take, Stephen A. Smith didn’t hold back.
His reaction was loud, animated, and emphatic: Cousins in New York? Absolutely not.
But beyond the theatrics, there’s a real football conversation here. Could Cousins actually be a fit for a Jets team still searching for a long-term answer under center? Or would bringing in the veteran quarterback just be another short-term patch on a tire that keeps blowing out?
Let’s break it down.
The New York Market Isn’t Built for Reclamation Projects
Smith’s main argument wasn’t just about Cousins’ play-it was about the pressure cooker that is the New York media market. And he’s not wrong.
New York demands results, and it demands them fast. Quarterbacks don’t get a long leash in this town, and any misstep is magnified tenfold.
Cousins, who was benched in Atlanta and has dealt with injuries in recent years, would be walking into a situation that’s far from forgiving. His “You like that?” days feel like a distant memory, and while he’s still capable of solid play, he hasn’t consistently shown he can elevate a struggling team on his own.
In a city that hasn’t had a true franchise quarterback since Mark Sanchez-and even that was a brief four-year run-expectations are sky-high. The Jets have been through a carousel of quarterbacks, and fans are tired of the rinse-and-repeat cycle. Cousins might bring experience, but he’d also bring questions the moment he throws his first interception.
The Offensive Line: Investment vs. Reality
On paper, the Jets have poured resources into their offensive line. They’ve spent big and drafted young talent to protect whoever lines up under center. But last season’s results told a different story.
The Jets gave up 60 sacks-one of the worst marks in the league. Even when Aaron Rodgers was healthy, the pressure was relentless.
According to ESPN’s pass-block win rate, New York ranked 26th in the NFL. That’s a stat that doesn’t lie: quarterbacks didn’t have time to work.
Now, Cousins has historically done a decent job under pressure, but his efficiency drops when defenders are in his face. At 35 and coming off injury concerns, he’s not exactly built to absorb that kind of punishment week in and week out.
If the offensive line doesn’t take a significant step forward, the Jets risk repeating the same scenario they faced last season-only with a different name on the back of the jersey.
Is Cousins Just Another Temporary Fix?
The Jets’ quarterback history over the past decade has been a revolving door. From draft picks that didn’t pan out to veterans who couldn’t stay healthy, the team hasn’t been able to land a true long-term solution. That’s why the idea of bringing in another aging quarterback raises eyebrows.
Cousins wouldn’t be a long-term fix. At best, he’s a bridge. And that’s where the argument for him starts to make a little more sense.
This year’s quarterback draft class is widely considered underwhelming, and the Jets are sitting on three first-round picks in 2027. That opens the door to a strategic reset. Bring in Cousins, let him manage the offense for a year or two, and then use those future picks to go all-in on a franchise quarterback when the draft class is deeper.
It’s not the most exciting plan, but it’s one that could bring some short-term stability without compromising the long-term vision.
The Tannenbaum Factor
One wrinkle in this discussion: Mike Tannenbaum, the ESPN analyst who floated the Cousins-to-New York idea, used to be the Jets’ general manager. He knows the inner workings of the organization and understands the quarterback instability that has plagued the franchise for years. His suggestion wasn’t random-it came from someone who’s seen firsthand how hard it is to find the right guy.
Still, Smith’s response was rooted in the reality of what it takes to succeed in New York. And he’s right to question whether Cousins has the makeup to handle everything that comes with being the face of a franchise in the media capital of the world.
Bottom Line
There’s no easy answer here. Cousins could bring short-term competence to a team that’s been starving for it. But he could also become just another name in a long line of quarterbacks who couldn’t quite make it work in New York.
The Jets have invested in their roster. They’ve tried the big splash with Aaron Rodgers. Now they’re staring down another offseason where the quarterback question looms large.
Kirk Cousins might be a temporary fix. But the Jets don’t need another Band-Aid-they need a cure.