Kirk Cousins Turns Back the Clock in Falcons’ Wild Win Over Bucs - and Maybe Turns the Heads of QB-Needy Teams Too
As Zane Gonzalez’s 43-yard field goal sailed through the uprights under the lights at Raymond James Stadium, the scoreboard read 29-28, Falcons. But the real storyline wasn’t just the upset win over the Buccaneers - it was the resurgence of a quarterback many had left for dead.
Kirk Cousins, at 37 years old and two years into a four-year, $180 million deal with $100 million guaranteed, delivered one of his best performances in a Falcons uniform. He went 30-of-44 for 373 yards and three touchdowns against a Todd Bowles defense that had been keeping teams in check all season. It wasn’t just a good night - it was a statement.
And for Cousins, it couldn’t have come at a better time.
With Michael Penix Jr. firmly positioned as Atlanta’s quarterback of the future, the Falcons could move on from Cousins this offseason - a decision that would free up $22.5 million in cap space. If that happens, Cousins is all but certain to hit the open market.
And after Thursday night, he’s not walking into free agency as a veteran clinging to the past. He’s walking in as a proven starter who just lit up a playoff-caliber defense in prime time.
Let’s not pretend this was expected. After signing with Atlanta in 2024 following six seasons in Minnesota, Cousins struggled.
He threw for 3,508 yards and 18 touchdowns - but also led the league with 16 interceptions. He was benched after 14 starts.
The whispers about whether he had anything left only grew louder.
This season, he watched from the sideline as Penix took over - until Week 12, when the rookie went down with a partially torn ACL. That injury ended Penix’s season and opened the door for Cousins to step back in.
What he’s done since then has been quietly solid. But Thursday night?
That was vintage Cousins - confident, aggressive, and efficient.
And now, the market is watching.
The 2026 free-agent quarterback class isn’t exactly deep. Aaron Rodgers could be available, but only if he decides to return at age 42. Daniel Jones is another potential free agent, though his play in Indianapolis has likely earned him either a franchise tag or an extension - assuming the Colts stick with him after his recent Achilles tear.
If the Colts do retain Jones, they’ll need a bridge quarterback while he recovers. Cousins could fit that role perfectly - a steady hand with starting experience who can hold the fort or even push for the job outright.
Then there’s the Vikings, ironically enough. Minnesota could use a veteran presence behind J.J.
McCarthy, the No. 10 pick in the 2024 draft who’s endured a rough rookie season: nine touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 56% completion rate, and six games missed due to injury. Cousins returning to Minnesota as a mentor and insurance policy?
Stranger things have happened.
And if Rodgers does hang it up, the Steelers could be in the market as well. They’ll need someone who can step in and lead a talented roster - and Cousins has shown he can still do just that.
Before Thursday night, those conversations felt like long shots. In his three previous starts this season, Cousins had thrown for 595 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions.
His QBR never climbed above 40.9. He looked like a quarterback on the wrong side of a career cliff, still trying to shake off the effects of a 2023 Achilles tear.
But then came Thursday. Under the pressure of the moment and against a defense with playoff aspirations, Cousins delivered.
He didn’t just manage the game - he took control of it. He found Kyle Pitts early and often, with the tight end racking up a career-high 166 yards and three touchdowns.
And when it mattered most, Cousins put the Falcons in position for the game-winning kick.
Atlanta moved to 5-9 with the win - a bright spot in an otherwise forgettable season. The defense came up with a clutch stop late.
Pitts had the kind of breakout game fans have been waiting for. And Cousins?
He reminded everyone that he’s not done yet.
When Gonzalez’s kick slipped just inside the left upright, the stadium fell silent. But somewhere, you could almost hear the faint cha-ching of opportunity knocking for Kirk Cousins.
Because after Thursday night, he’s not just a veteran backup. He’s a quarterback with a résumé - and now, a fresh audition tape - who might just be one of the most intriguing options in a thin free-agent class.