Though the Falcons hired one of Kirk Cousins‘ former coaches, he is still expected to be on his way out of Atlanta in early March, per Josh Kendall of The Athletic.
Cousins, 37, worked closely with new Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski during their shared time in Minnesota. Stefanski was the Vikings’ quarterbacks coach when Cousins signed with the team in 2018 and was promoted to interim offensive coordinator during the season. He held onto the gig for the 2019 season and called plays for Cousins as he passed his way to his second Pro Bowl.
However, their reunion is expected to be extremely short-lived. Cousins’ contract was recently reworked to essentially force his release before the start of free agency. The Falcons would consider re-signing Cousins’ on a cheaper deal than his current contract, but he will likely look for a clearer starting opportunity elsewhere. Michael Penix‘s ongoing recovery from knee surgery could sideline him at the start of the 2026 season, but he is expected to retake the starting job once he is healthy.
If Cousins cannot find a more appealing situation, he may opt for a return to Atlanta to once again work with Stefanski. He would start until Penix comes back on the field, and theoretically, he could play well enough to keep the starting job. That seems unlikely given his performance in the last two years, but perhaps Stefanski could reinvigorate the veteran quarterback.
Stefanski acknowledged his connection with Cousins after he was hired by the Falcons, but did not provide any insight on his future.
“Obviously, I have a previous relationship with Kirk, but I don’t know if it’s the time yet to talk about all those types of things,” Stefanski said (via Kendall). “Those conversations will come in due time.”
Gasp
Better than any backup or starter Jets have had lately. Sign him.
I wouldn’t, and it had nothing to do with Cousins’ ability. You’re completely correct in saying that he is the best quarterback that they would have had in some time (they had a good year of Rodgers, a good year of Fitzpatrick years before that, and..what before then? Half a year of Favre? Pennington? Does Sanchez count at any point?), but it would be disastrous for them and for Kirk.
He just came off injury with Atlanta, and the Jets have a suspect offensive line, with few skill position players, and no determined offensive scheme yet. Cousins is also 37. It’s just better for him to seek out as much protection as he can. If he can’t get a good line, he at least needs skill position players to keep from having to hold the ball too long. I don’t know if he’ll find that opportunity, but that’s really what he needs. The Jets would have to turn to a backup too quickly if Cousins signs there. But, as always, interest dictates demand…and Cousins is going to have to go with the offers that he receives.
You like that?
If the Dolphins released Tua, could they get Cousins at an affordable price to compete with Ewers?
No. Dead cap money kills this idea.
Yeah. Fit is there, money not so much.
Steelers.
Was thinking Cards, Dolphins, Steelers, Jets, NO and just maybe Minnesota again.
There’s also the QB collective in Cleveland, why not have 5-6 on the roster.
I said cardinals make a lot of sense only if they move off Kyler.
How does this make sense? Penix has proven nothing but the ability to get injured. I honestly don’t understand the NFL salary cap, is this purely a financial move?
Yes
Keep that Steelers’ QB carousel turning for another season…
So the niners got their backup when they trade Mac now
I think Kirk will be moving back to Minnesota. J.J. McCarthy is a bust and KOC knows it.
Back to Minney-Sota
Seriously who would take him? Please don’t come to Cleveland.
We already have drama…