Jason Burgos
A new report suggests that Kirk Cousins is going to be the Aaron Rodgers of the 2026 offseason.
After being a fourth-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, Cousins has had an NFL career that has exceeded expectations. As he enters his 15th season, he has four Pro Bowl appearances on his resume and has made a ton of money. Specifically, $321 million from the three franchises he has played for.
This offseason, he is looking to squeeze a bit more out of a QB-needy team in what could be the final, or next-to-last season of his career. However, unlike when he hit the open market two years ago, Cousins’ value is as low as it’s ever been. After tearing his Achilles tendon during the 2023 NFL season with the Minnesota Vikings, he was a shell of himself during his two years with the Atlanta Falcons.
Kirk Cousins career earnings: $321 million
While teams around the league would be interested in his services, many would want him as a backup. But the 37-year-old wants one more chance at being a starter. It’s a similar situation to the one Aaron Rodgers was in 2024 after being cut by the New York Jets, a year removed from a torn Achilles.
The NFL legend was extremely patient when deciding the team he played with last year, as he pursued the best opportunity for him at that point in his career. Well, it seems Cousins will follow that blueprint in the months ahead.
Kirk Cousins could wait well into the summer to sign with a team
“This one could drag on for a couple of weeks, maybe into the draft, maybe even to the point where he goes, ‘I’m just going to sit back, wait, and see if there’s an injury at some point and the team needs a quarterback,” NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reports. “Not expecting a quick resolution on that one.”
It does make sense for Cousins to be patient. He will turn 38 in August and could be done as a starter in the league if he can’t show he still has it this season. So waiting until he finds a situation that can help him do that is a smart approach. It worked out for Rodgers, and he had a rock-solid year with a Pittsburgh Steelers team that reached the playoffs last season, and wants him back in 2026.
