Andrew Buller-Russ
In a move that was highly anticipated, especially after a recent contract adjustment, the Atlanta Falcons revealed their plans to release Kirk Cousins at the start of the league year on March 11. Cousins joins an interesting free agency group of quarterbacks that includes Aaron Rodgers, Daniel Jones, Russell Wilson, Joe Flacco, and Malik Willis.
The 37-year-old four-time Pro Bowler had his fair share of ups and downs in Atlanta, but he still flashed some moments of glory. In Week 15, his 373-yard, three-touchdown performance helped the Falcons beat the Buccaneers 29-28. Surely there will be a team that views Cousins as a potential starting quarterback, even if it’s just for one season, or parts of the year.
Below, we evaluate some of the most likely free agency landing spots for Cousins, who has indicated that he “wants to play.”
Arizona Cardinals
Kyler Murray is expected to be cut or traded, which means the Cardinals will have to add some more competition to the QB room. Is Jacoby Brissett their starter? Not for the long-term, and neither would Cousins. Though, new head coach Mike LaFleur is also a former Shanahan understudy who later learned from Sean McVay. Between Cousins being coached by Shanahan and Kevin O’Connell, joining Arizona would provide a very short learning curve, but they may already have their veteran QB in Brissett.
Cleveland Browns
The Kevin Stefanski connection is gone, but that doesn’t mean that the Browns can’t still be a fit for Cousins. After all, if they find a way to cast off Deshaun Watson, then a QB room consisting of Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders would be awfully thin on experience. That’s where a steady hand like Cousins could be a big help. But he may not want to join a depth chart that has two recently drafted QBs and may still look to add another competitor this offseason.
New York Jets
The Jets could consider several options to solve their QB position in 2026. Last year’s gamble, Justin Fields, flopped. The Jets may be hesitant to roll the dice on, say, a Malik Willis-type again. The Jets may be hoping to select a QB like Ty Simpson and pair him with a vet, and Cousins could certainly help the rook along.
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins are expected to move on from Tua Tagovailoa this offseason. While offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik is a “big fan” of Quinn Ewers, the Dolphins invested just a seventh-round pick in the young QB last season. Nevertheless, if they really are high on Ewers, Miami could roll the dice on him, plus a capable veteran like Cousins. Plus, Slowik hails from the Kyle Shanahan system, which Cousins mastered during their time together in Washington. If Miami has to stomach a $99.2 million cap hit for ridding themselves of Tagovailoa this offseason, Cousins and Ewers could be their plan for 2026.
Minnesota Vikings
Of all the landing spots for Cousins this offseason, the Vikings seem like the most likely. Not only does he still have a home in Minnesota, where he, his wife, and kids spent six seasons, the Vikings also have a need for someone who can push J.J. McCarthy to be his best. Cousins may even become a starter who helps show the 23-year-old how to be more consistent with his approach, helping the Vikings in the short term and in the long run with McCarthy too.
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