Kirk Cousins: Potential NFL Landing Spots After Falcons Release

Kirk Cousins’ time with the Atlanta Falcons appears to be drawing to a close. The franchise is reportedly set to release the veteran quarterback before the start of the new league year in March.

A Short Tenure in Atlanta

Cousins’ stint with the Falcons, which began with a four-year, $180 million contract in 2024, proved to be brief. The organization quickly drafted Michael Penix Jr. With the No. 8 overall pick in the NFL Draft, signaling a shift in the quarterback landscape. Penix eventually took over as the starter in Week 16 of that year.

Did You Know? Kirk Cousins was signed to a four-year, $180 million deal by the Falcons in 2024.

However, a torn ACL suffered by Penix during the 2025 season after nine starts brought Cousins back into the starting role. Over 10 appearances, the 37-year-old completed 61.7% of his passes with an 84.8 passer rating, achieving a 5-3 record in his eight starts.

Potential Landing Spots

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers’ quarterback situation is uncertain, hinging on whether Aaron Rodgers returns for a 22nd NFL season or retires. If Rodgers retires, and with the Steelers holding the 21st overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the team may opt to pursue a veteran quarterback, a strategy they’ve employed recently with Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers. The arrival of Mike McCarthy as head coach could also make Cousins a good fit, given his system’s compatibility with Cousins’ skillset.

Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings recently fired their general manager, a decision partly attributed to the team’s handling of the quarterback position and the selection of J.J. McCarthy over Sam Darnold in the 2024 draft. With the GM who championed McCarthy now gone, McCarthy’s position as the franchise quarterback may be less secure. McCarthy struggled in 2025, finishing last in completion percentage, TD-INT ratio, and passer rating. Cousins, who played for the Vikings from 2018 to 2023, is familiar with Kevin O’Connell’s system and could serve as a backup with the potential to become the starter if McCarthy falters.

Expert Insight: The Vikings’ situation highlights the precarious nature of quarterback transitions and the value of having a proven veteran option available, particularly when a young quarterback’s performance is uncertain.

Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins are anticipating a shift with new GM John-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley, and are widely expected to move on from Tua Tagovailoa. While a reset with a young quarterback would be ideal, the 2026 NFL Draft isn’t projected to offer a suitable prospect at their No. 11 overall pick. The Dolphins are currently over the salary cap, limiting their financial flexibility. Cousins could be a logical short-term solution.

New York Jets

The Jets are currently searching for stability at the quarterback position after the Justin Fields experiment in 2025 did not pan out. Despite possessing the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, there isn’t a consensus top quarterback prospect available, especially after Dante Moore decided to remain at Oregon. With approximately $83.2 million in available cap space, the Jets could pursue a higher-caliber quarterback, but Cousins could provide a stable option if other pursuits fail.

San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers could be a potential destination for Cousins, even if not as a starter. Mac Jones, currently the backup, impressed filling in for the injured Brock Purdy, going 5-3 with a 97.4 passer rating. However, if the 49ers receive a significant offer for Jones, they may consider a replacement. Kyle Shanahan, who previously worked with Cousins in Washington, has long been rumored to have an affinity for the quarterback, and a reunion could be possible, albeit with Cousins in a backup role.

Frequently Asked Questions

What led to the Falcons’ decision to release Kirk Cousins?

The Falcons drafted Michael Penix Jr. With a high draft pick, indicating a long-term plan at quarterback that didn’t include Cousins. Penix’s subsequent injury briefly brought Cousins back into the starting role, but the team is moving forward with a younger option.

Which teams are most likely to pursue Kirk Cousins?

The Pittsburgh Steelers, Minnesota Vikings, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, and San Francisco 49ers have all been identified as potential landing spots, each with unique circumstances and needs at the quarterback position.

Could Kirk Cousins end up as a backup quarterback?

Yes, the San Francisco 49ers represent a scenario where Cousins could serve as a backup, reuniting him with Kyle Shanahan and providing stability behind Brock Purdy.

With several teams potentially in the market for a veteran quarterback, what factors do you think will ultimately determine where Kirk Cousins lands?