The Atlanta Falcons have officially handed the keys over to rookie QB Michael Penix Jr. in week 16. After a strong debut by the rookie, Kirk Cousins’ time in Atlanta is likely coming to an end. So, where does the veteran go from here after his short tenure?
The Giants are the least likely option on this list, but still worth mentioning. New York has locked up the number one overall draft pick in 2025, and they’re almost guaranteed to take a QB.
It doesn’t feel like Cousins is ready to play second-string to a rookie, but it might not be a bad idea. Kirk Cousins knows what it takes to succeed in the NFL. He’s been a consistent starter in the league for over a decade and a terrific locker room guy.
Cousins’ experience could benefit Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward in their transition to the NFL. While extremely unlikely, this could be a nice fit if Big Kirko is ready to take a back seat.
This option heavily depends on whether or not Aaron Rodgers returns to New York next year. Rodgers has teased retirement before, and he’s also expressed frustration with his current team.
The Jets will be looking for a new GM and Head Coach in 2025. If Rodgers leaves or retires, Kirk Cousins could be a terrific replacement. Cousins has shown production with top-tier weapons before. If he joined Davante Adams, Garrett Wilson, and Breece Hall, the Jets could see some immediate short-term success.
The Jets need to start fresh in 2025. Moving on from Rodgers and bringing in Cousins as a bridge quarterback might benefit all involved.
The Browns have been in QB purgatory for what feels like an eternity. They drafted and traded Baker Mayfield before signing Deshaun Watson to the worst deal in NFL history. Now they’re saddled with Watson and in need of a new QB. Kirk Cousins could be an excellent fit for this team.
The only setback to this option is how high Kirk’s long-term price tag would be. Cleveland is already paying off a $230 million deal for the next two years. 2025 Kirk Cousins is a bandaid; in 2026, he’s another big contract.
The Browns are not in a great position to draft a quarterback, and Cousins might be the best option in the free-agent market. If the money is correct, this wouldn’t be a shocking move.
The Raiders were in contention for the number one overall pick just a few days ago. Following their win over the Jaguars, that’s become highly unlikely, and their chances at drafting a quarterback are slimmer now.
There are a ton of “what-ifs” around the Raiders going into 2025; the only certainty is that they need a quarterback. Head coach Antonio Pierce is coaching for his job, but he entered a messy situation. Whether it’s Pierce or anyone else calling the shots, free agency might be their only chance at a quarterback in 2025.
Kirk Cousins would bring a veteran presence to a struggling locker room, and he would be a great bridge while the Raiders work on the rest of their roster.
The Titans are another team in no position to draft a franchise QB, but they’re in desperate need of one. Will Levis is riding the bench while Mason Rudolph starts, and the team only has three wins on the year. This feels like the most likely option for Kirk to land in 2025.
Tennessee will have over $60 million in cap space in 2025, and a free-agent QB should be their top priority. The Falcons will owe Cousins $27.5 million in 2025.
The Titans can make a Steelers-esque move here by signing Cousins to a smaller deal and letting the Falcons pay him to play in Tennessee. Kirk Cousins in Tennessee could be a terrific match, and he might even be able to help with Will Levis’ struggles.
If the Falcons release him, Kirk Cousins will certainly be a hot free agent in 2025. It’ll be interesting to see where he ends up and what he does next.
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