As NFL free agency heats up, veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins is a name to watch. After being released by the Atlanta Falcons, Cousins is on the radar for several teams in need of a seasoned signal-caller. The Pittsburgh Steelers, Las Vegas Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs, and Cincinnati Bengals are all potential landing spots for the 37-year-old QB.
Cousins' stint with the Falcons might not have gone as planned, but he showed flashes of his old self in 2025. In eight starts, he led Atlanta to a 5-3 record, throwing 10 touchdowns against five interceptions. This kind of performance keeps him in the conversation as one of the top quarterbacks available in the market.
The Steelers are in a holding pattern, awaiting Aaron Rodgers' decision on retirement. Should Rodgers hang up his cleats, Cousins could be a reliable stopgap for Pittsburgh as they navigate the 2026 season.
In Las Vegas, the Raiders are eyeing Cousins as a mentor for their anticipated No. 1 overall pick, Indiana's Fernando Mendoza. Cousins' experience would be invaluable in easing Mendoza's transition to the NFL, offering a steady hand in the quarterback room.
Kansas City finds itself in a precarious position with Patrick Mahomes recovering from a torn ACL. Bringing in Cousins to start the season would be a strategic move, allowing Mahomes the time he needs to fully recover while keeping the Chiefs competitive.
Meanwhile, the Bengals, mindful of Joe Burrow's injury history, could benefit from Cousins' presence as a backup. While they have Josh Johnson on the roster, Cousins offers a level of experience and reliability that could prove crucial in high-stakes situations.
With his wealth of experience and a solid finish to the 2025 season, Cousins is likely to secure a role soon, whether as a top-tier backup or potentially stepping into a starting position. Teams looking for stability and veteran leadership under center would do well to consider him as a key addition.