The New York Jets may soon have an opportunity to add veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to their roster after reports indicate the Atlanta Falcons plan to release him before the 2026 league year begins in March. This move would give Cousins the freedom to decide his next destination, potentially opening the door for a Jets acquisition as the team looks to bolster their quarterback depth.
Expert Insight Links Cousins to Jets’ Quarterback Search
During a February 6 episode of the Boy Green Daily podcast, ESPN’s Rich Cimini highlighted Cousins as a notable candidate for the Jets’ upcoming quarterback decisions. Cimini emphasized that Cousins fits the mold of a “bigger pocket style quarterback,” aligning with the preferences of new Jets offensive coordinator Frank Reich.
I think a guy like Kirk Cousins, he fits the description as well. I think there is a good chance that he shakes free from Atlanta. Certainly a bigger pocket style quarterback to look at,
Cimini commented.
He further explained that Reich’s influence on offensive personnel decisions will be significant, as the coordinator will effectively lead the offensive staff and shape quarterback selection.
The important thing for people to know in this whole Frank Reich situation: he is going to have a tremendous amount of input into the staff on offense and personnel. When they make these quarterback decisions, it’s going to be with a lot of input from Frank Reich. I think that is one of the things that appealed to Frank about this situation. So essentially, he is going to be kind of the head coach of the offense,
Cimini said.
Regarding quarterback style, Reich prefers taller, traditional dropback passers, adding more appeal to Cousins’ profile.
He likes taller [and] bigger type more traditional dropback passers,
Cimini added.
Other NFC Franchises Vie for Cousins’ Services
If the Falcons release Cousins, the Jets will face competition from other teams around the league, including some from the NFC. Among those potentially interested is the Minnesota Vikings.
Insider Dianna Russini cited a league source who suggested Cousins might be a fit for Minnesota due to his prior relationship with Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, as well as the team’s interest in challenging their young quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
speculated that Cousins could be an option there, given his history with Kevin O’Connell and Minnesota’s desire to bring in competition for young J.J. McCarthy.
– League source, as reported by Dianna Russini
Kirk Cousins’ Career Overview and Age Considerations
Cousins, who will be 38 years old heading into the 2026 season, was originally selected 102nd overall in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Over a 14-year career, he has played for three franchises, earning four Pro Bowl selections and leading the NFL in completion percentage in 2015.
During the past two seasons with the Falcons, Cousins started 22 of 24 games, completing 65% of his passes for 5,229 yards, with a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 28 to 21. These stats highlight a seasoned veteran still capable of contributing at the quarterback position, though his advancing age is likely a factor in his release discussions.
Previous Connections and Personal Ties Link Cousins to Jets
The Athletic’s Zack Rosenblatt pointed out that Cousins represents a “logical target” for the Jets, partly because of his growing friendship with Frank Reich beyond the professional sphere, which has developed through shared faith. Moreover, Jets senior football advisor Rick Spielman was instrumental in bringing Cousins to the Vikings in 2018, reinforcing the existing network that could facilitate a reunion.
Reich and Cousins have struck up a friendship together off the field, tied to their faith. Jets senior football advisor Rick Spielman also brought Cousins to the Vikings back in 2018,
Rosenblatt wrote.
Despite never having coached together, Reich and Cousins have maintained a relationship that could influence future team decisions. This would not be the first instance where the Jets have sought Cousins’ services; in 2018, they made an aggressive attempt to acquire him during the offseason but ultimately fell short, paving the way for his deal with Minnesota.
Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins is expected to be released before the start of the new league year in March, allowing him to choose where or if he wants to play in 2026, per league sources.https://t.co/4sFE7eCgEo
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 7, 2026
ESPN’s Rich Cimini told me that #Falcons QB Kirk Cousins is a name to watch for the #Jets.
He told me that Cousins fits what new OC Frank Reich looks for in a quarterback.
ESPN #NFL Insider @AdamSchefter reported that Cousins is ‘expected to be released before the start of… pic.twitter.com/0F25wTWbMq
— Paul Andrew Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25) February 7, 2026
If the Jets do target veteran QBs with ties to Frank Reich, I would not make any assumptions about Carson Wentz. Things ended very poorly for them in Indianapolis.
The two QBs that make more sense Reich-wise:
– Jacoby Brissett. Colts QB for three years with Reich. Cardinals…
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) February 4, 2026
