Kirk Cousins Nearing Exit in Atlanta: What's Next for the Veteran QB?
Kirk Cousins’ time in Atlanta looks like it’s coming to a close. The Falcons are reportedly preparing to release the veteran quarterback before the new league year kicks off in March, signaling the end of a brief and somewhat turbulent chapter in Cousins’ career.
When Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million deal with the Falcons in 2024, the expectation was that he’d be the guy to stabilize the quarterback position. But that vision shifted quickly when Atlanta used the No. 8 overall pick in the same offseason to draft Michael Penix Jr. That move immediately cast a long shadow over Cousins’ future with the team, and by Week 16 of that season, Penix had taken over as the starter.
Fast forward to 2025, and Penix was leading the charge until a torn ACL ended his season after nine starts. That opened the door for Cousins to step back in, and while he wasn’t lighting up the stat sheet, he was steady.
Over 10 appearances (eight of them starts), Cousins completed 61.7% of his passes, posted an 84.8 passer rating, and led the team to a 5-3 record in those starts. At 37, he’s no longer in his prime, but he’s still a capable, experienced starter - and in today’s NFL, that still carries real value.
So where could Cousins land next? Let’s take a look at some of the most intriguing possibilities.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Another Veteran Stopgap?
Pittsburgh’s quarterback situation is once again in flux. With uncertainty surrounding Aaron Rodgers’ future - retirement rumors have swirled all season - the Steelers may be in the market for another veteran to bridge the gap. They’re sitting at No. 21 in the draft, not exactly prime territory to land a top rookie QB.
This wouldn't be new territory for Pittsburgh. In recent offseasons, they’ve rolled the dice on experienced names like Russell Wilson and Rodgers.
Cousins fits that mold - a seasoned, competent signal-caller who can step in and run an offense. With Mike McCarthy now at the helm, Cousins’ style of play could mesh well with the system, making this a potential match worth watching.
Minnesota Vikings: Could the Door Be Open for a Reunion?
Here’s a scenario that could raise some eyebrows: a return to Minnesota. The Vikings just parted ways with GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, and with him goes one of the biggest supporters of 2024 first-round pick J.J.
McCarthy. McCarthy’s sophomore campaign was rough - he finished last in completion percentage, TD-INT ratio, and passer rating among qualified starters in 2025.
While Minnesota may give McCarthy another shot in 2026, they’re going to need a Plan B if he doesn’t take a leap. Enter Cousins, who spent six seasons in Minnesota and already knows Kevin O’Connell’s system. He could serve as a veteran backup with the potential to reclaim the starting job if McCarthy stumbles again.
Miami Dolphins: Cap Crunch, Quarterback Questions
With a new GM (John-Eric Sullivan) and head coach (Jeff Hafley) in town, the Dolphins are heading into a new era - and likely without Tua Tagovailoa. That move, while expected, brings some serious cap implications. Miami is projected to be about $16.4 million over the salary cap, and moving on from Tua will only add to the financial gymnastics they’ll need to pull off.
The Dolphins would love to land a young quarterback, but picking at No. 11 in the draft may not give them access to one of the top prospects. That makes Cousins an intriguing stopgap option. He’s not going to break the bank, and he gives Miami a chance to stay competitive while they figure out their long-term solution under center.
New York Jets: Stability Needed - Fast
The Jets’ quarterback carousel spun out of control in 2025. The Justin Fields experiment flamed out, and while they hold the No. 2 pick in the upcoming draft, there may not be a quarterback on the board who warrants that selection - especially after Dante Moore opted to stay at Oregon.
With an estimated $83.2 million in cap space, the Jets have room to chase a bigger name. But if they strike out, Cousins becomes a very viable fallback.
He brings stability and leadership to a team that desperately needs both at the quarterback position. And with multiple first-round picks in hand, New York could use this offseason to build out the rest of the roster while Cousins holds things down in 2026.
San Francisco 49ers: A Familiar Face for Shanahan?
Here’s a bit of a curveball, but one that makes sense if you connect the dots. The 49ers don’t have a pressing need at quarterback - Brock Purdy is firmly entrenched as the starter, and Mac Jones proved to be a capable backup when called upon this season, going 5-3 with a 97.4 passer rating.
But if another team comes calling with a strong trade offer for Jones, the Niners could be in the market for a new No. 2.
That’s where Cousins comes in. Kyle Shanahan has long been known to admire Cousins, dating back to their time together in Washington.
There was even buzz that San Francisco would pursue him in 2018 before ultimately trading for Jimmy Garoppolo.
A reunion nearly a decade later - even in a backup role - wouldn’t be out of character. If Cousins is open to being a high-end insurance policy on a Super Bowl contender, this could be a mutually beneficial fit.
What’s Next for Cousins?
At this stage in his career, Cousins isn’t the splashy franchise-changer he once aspired to be - but that doesn’t mean he’s without value. Teams across the league are constantly searching for stability at quarterback, and Cousins brings just that: experience, poise, and the ability to keep an offense on schedule.
Whether he’s starting or serving as a trusted backup, Cousins will have suitors. And with the Falcons expected to move on, the next chapter in his NFL journey is just around the corner.