The Atlanta Falcons are expected to release quarterback Kirk Cousins before the new NFL league year begins in March, ending his brief tenure with the team. As a free agent, Cousins will attract interest from several teams seeking a reliable veteran presence to stabilize their quarterback position.
After signing a four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons in 2024, Cousins’ future was quickly clouded when they selected Michael Penix Jr. eighth overall in the NFL Draft. Penix took over as starter in Week 16 of that year and began the 2025 season as the starter until a torn ACL in Week 9 forced him onto injured reserve. Cousins stepped back in, delivering a 61.7% completion rate and an 84.8 passer rating over 10 games, including a 5-3 record as a starter. Though past his prime, Cousins remains a competent quarterback and should find opportunities with teams needing a veteran option in 2026.
Potential Opportunity with the Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers face uncertainty at quarterback as Aaron Rodgers has hinted at retirement following the 2025 season. Pittsburgh holds the 21st pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, which is not ideal for securing a future franchise signal-caller. The team has turned to experienced veterans in recent years, signing Russell Wilson in 2024 and Rodgers last year. Head coach Mike McCarthy’s offensive system has previously been a natural fit for Cousins, making him a logical candidate to fill the void if Rodgers departs. Bringing in Cousins could provide stability while the Steelers search for a long-term solution.
The Minnesota Vikings: A Reunion with Familiar Surroundings
The Vikings recently dismissed general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah amid dissatisfaction with their quarterback decisions, notably selecting J.J. McCarthy in the 2024 draft over Sam Darnold. McCarthy struggled in 2025, ranking last in completion percentage, touchdown-to-interception ratio, and passer rating. While the Vikings may give McCarthy a chance to prove himself in 2026, they are likely to seek insurance if he continues to falter. Cousins, who started in Minnesota from 2018 to 2023 and is well-versed in head coach Kevin O’Connell’s system, could return as a backup with an opportunity to start if McCarthy stumbles again.
Miami Dolphins Consider a Veteran Bridge Quarterback
The Dolphins plan to move on from Tua Tagovailoa amid a new regime led by GM John-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley. A rebuild ideally would feature a young quarterback, but the 2026 draft class does not offer clear prospects at Miami’s 11th overall pick. Financially, the Dolphins face challenges—they are projected to be $16.4 million over the salary cap and must absorb significant dead cap from Tagovailoa’s departure. Given these constraints, Miami may prioritize a cost-effective, experienced option. Cousins fits this profile as a practical short-term solution to lead the offense during a transitional period.
New York Jets’ Search for Quarterback Stability
The Jets are struggling to find consistency at quarterback after their failed experiment with Justin Fields in 2025. Despite holding the second overall pick in the 2026 draft, there appears to be no quarterback worthy of this selection, especially after Dante Moore opted to stay at Oregon. The Jets, however, boast roughly $83.2 million in cap space to pursue quarterback options. Should their search for a top-tier starter fall short, Cousins presents a valuable fallback. Bringing him in could stabilize the position in 2026 while the team utilizes multiple first-round picks to strengthen other roster areas.
San Francisco 49ers Might Offer a Backup Role
While the 49ers may not offer Cousins a starting role, the possibility of a backup spot should not be dismissed. San Francisco’s current backup Mac Jones impressed when filling in for the injured Brock Purdy in 2025, posting a 5-3 record and a 97.4 passer rating. Though the 49ers have been hesitant to trade Jones, a substantial offer could force their hand. Should Jones depart, the team would need an experienced quarterback to back up Purdy.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan has long admired Cousins, having worked with him during Cousins’ first two NFL seasons as the Washington offensive coordinator. The 49ers nearly signed Cousins as a free agent in 2018 before acquiring Jimmy Garoppolo instead. Years later, a reunion in San Francisco as a backup seems plausible if the right circumstances arise.
Kirk Cousins’ free agency will be closely monitored as multiple franchises weigh their quarterback options for the 2026 season. Whether as a starter or experienced backup, Cousins offers a reliable presence capable of guiding teams through uncertain transitions. His next destination could significantly influence how veteran quarterbacks factor into NFL roster strategies moving forward.
