Patrick Mahomes’ ACL Tear Shakes Up the AFC - Could Kirk Cousins Be a Fit in Kansas City?
Sunday night delivered a gut punch to Chiefs Kingdom. In the middle of a critical drive, with the game - and playoff hopes - hanging in the balance, Patrick Mahomes went down.
The diagnosis? A torn ACL.
Just like that, Kansas City’s postseason dreams were extinguished, and the outlook for 2026 suddenly looks murky.
This injury doesn’t just alter the immediate trajectory of the Chiefs - it opens the door for ripple effects across the league. And one team that could benefit from the fallout? The Atlanta Falcons.
Mahomes’ Timeline: The Long Road Back
ACL injuries don’t come with a one-size-fits-all recovery plan, but history gives us a rough idea of what to expect. Take Kyler Murray, for example.
He tore his ACL in December 2022 and didn’t return until mid-November the following season. That’s an 11-month recovery window - not unusual for quarterbacks who rely on mobility and precision.
If Mahomes follows a similar path, he’s at real risk of missing a sizable portion of the 2026 season. Even if he’s cleared medically, the Chiefs would be taking a serious gamble rushing him back before he’s fully ready - especially considering how much of their identity and success hinges on his playmaking ability.
Enter Kirk Cousins: A Veteran Stopgap?
That’s where Kirk Cousins enters the conversation. The veteran quarterback has been solid down the stretch in 2025, showing he can still manage an offense and make the throws when it counts. And if Kansas City is looking for a short-term solution while Mahomes recovers, Cousins could be exactly what they need - a proven starter who can keep the offense afloat and the locker room steady.
Cousins doesn’t need to be Mahomes. He just needs to be competent. And with weapons like Travis Kelce, Rashee Rice, and rookie speedster Xavier Worthy, along with Andy Reid’s offensive mind steering the ship, Cousins wouldn’t have to carry the team - just keep it moving forward.
The Falcons’ Dilemma
Now, let’s look at the other side of this equation. Cousins is currently under contract with the Falcons, but his 2026 cap hit sits at a hefty $57.5 million. That’s a number Atlanta may not be willing to swallow, especially if they’re pivoting toward a younger quarterback or reshaping the roster.
If the Falcons are looking to move on, they’ve got two options: cut Cousins outright or find a trade partner. And if Kansas City comes calling, even with limited cap space, there could be a deal to be made - especially if Atlanta is willing to eat a chunk of the salary to facilitate it.
What Could a Trade Look Like?
Let’s be clear: this wouldn’t be a blockbuster deal. If it happens, the return for Atlanta would be modest - think mid-to-late round compensation.
Remember the Matt Ryan trade? The Falcons shipped him to Indianapolis for a third-round pick.
A Cousins deal, given the contract and age, might bring back something closer to a fourth-rounder.
For the Chiefs, the question becomes: is the short-term stability worth the financial gymnastics? They’re projected to be under the cap threshold in 2026, which complicates things. But if Mahomes is sidelined and the team wants to stay competitive, the pressure to make a move will be immense - especially from a fanbase that’s grown accustomed to January football.
A More Likely Scenario?
Of course, there’s another path. If the Falcons decide to cut Cousins after the season, the Chiefs could scoop him up on a one-year, low-cost deal - potentially even at the league minimum. That would give Kansas City a bridge quarterback without the trade cost, while giving Cousins a shot at one more run with a contender.
Final Thoughts
There’s still a lot of uncertainty ahead. Mahomes’ recovery timeline, the Falcons’ offseason plans, and the Chiefs’ cap situation will all shape how this plays out. But one thing is clear: Kansas City’s quarterback room just became the most important storyline of the 2026 offseason.
And if they’re looking for a steady hand to keep the ship afloat until No. 15 is back, Kirk Cousins might be the best option on the table.