With the end of the 2025 regular season quickly approaching, it’s time to look forward. For fans of teams outside the playoffs, it’s crucial to see what awaits in the 2026 offseason. For many, the offseason will bring new additions to both the coaching staff and the 53-man roster. The New York Jets are already looking for Steve Wilks long term replacement at defensive coordinator after his termination on Monday. However, once again, the quarterback will be the topic of all Jets offseason conversation. After the Justin Fields experiment didn’t pan out, the search for another passer will likely be underway. In an ideal world, the Jets would love nothing more than to pick Heisman Winner Fernando Mendoza as their next quarterback. However, they’ll need the first overall pick to do so. Should they miss out, they could explore alternative options.
One option is to try for another veteran for the 2026 season, before picking their quarterback of the future in 2027. Potentially, former first overall pick Kyler Murray could be available if the Arizona Cardinals look to move on. However, after his recent success replacing Michael Penix, could veteran Kirk Cousins be a realistic option as well?
This Veteran Could Be the Jets Bridge QB in 2026
After going 3-11 with three weeks left in the 2025 season, it was a year of tough lessons in Aaron Glenn’s first season as a head coach. Fortunately, general manager Darren Mougey has put New York in a positive direction heading into 2026. The success at the NFL trade deadline has placed New York in the top 10 in cap space with three extra first-round picks gained over the next two drafts. Within the next two seasons, the Jets have the opportunity to add their potential quarterback of the future. Ideally, the 2026 offseason will lead to the team acquiring the first overall pick to select Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza. However, the Las Vegas Raiders present a real threat to select Mendoza if they get the first pick. As a result, it’s important to keep alternative options available.
The Jets will search for a new Quarterback in 2026
Despite the failure of the Aaron Rodgers tenure, they could opt for another veteran quarterback if they can’t move up for Mendoza or Oregon quarterback Dante Moore returns to school in 2026. After being benched for journeyman Jacoby Brissett, former number one pick Kyler Murray could be made available. However, it’s more likely he remains with the Arizona Cardinals. But one interesting option could be Atlanta Falcons veteran Kirk Cousins. While Cousins will be 38 years old next season and long past his prime, as witnessed in his Minnesota Vikings days, he has performed admirably recently. Thrown back into the starting role after a season-ending knee injury to Michael Penix, Cousins is coming off his best game of the season in last week’s win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While not the ideal candidate, Cousins’ availability could be cheaper than other options.
Kirk Cousins Retrospective
In the midst of his 14th season in the NFL, Kirk Cousins has come a long way since being drafted in the 4th round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Despite his late-round status, Cousins outlasted Heisman winner and second overall pick Robert Griffin III in Washington. After six seasons, Cousins signed a historic contract to join the Minnesota Vikings, becoming the first free agent to sign for a fully guaranteed contract in league history. Despite having one playoff win in his six seasons, Cousins thrived in Minnesota. Before signing with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024, Cousins completed 67.9% of his passes for over 23,000 yards with 171 touchdown passes to 55 interceptions. After working with renowned quarterback developers like Gary Kubiak & head coach Kevin O’Connell, along with the addition of star wide receiver Justin Jefferson, Cousins was able to capitalize and play some of his best football.
Will Kirk Cousins be available this offseason?
Unfortunately, a torn Achilles tendon in 2023 and the recovery damped his first season in Atlanta last year. Eventually, Cousins’ multiple interceptions opened the door for Penix to become the starter. While Cousins accepted a reduced role this season, Penix’s torn ACL last month forced head coach Raheem Morris to return Cousins as the starter. With teams in need of a starting quarterback, Cousins could see his market boom this offseason. While Atlanta would love to trade him, it will be difficult due to Cousins contract. With cap hits of $57.5 million in 2026 and 2027, it’s too much to ask teams to part with draft picks for such money for a nearly 40-year-old. Ideally, teams would be wise to wait for Atlanta to release Cousins to avoid the financial implications.
Would Cousins fit the Jets timeline?
While trading for Cousins would be ill-advised, signing Cousins if released wouldn’t be a bad idea. While nearly 40 years old, Cousins still has enough arm strength to make just enough throws. Additionally, while he’d miss playing with star running back Bijan Robinson, Breece Hall has shown he can be just as effective out of the backfield. Not to mention, playing with a healthy Garrett Wilson would be enticing for the veteran. Additionally, it allows New York to retain their draft picks to continue filling positions of need on defense, as well as another wide receiver. Is Cousins the ideal bridge quarterback? Not really. However, if New York can use their two first-round picks on a great wide receiver like Carnell Tate of Ohio State and a safety like Caleb Downs, Cousins would be a stable enough starter to get through 2026 if available.
Main Photo: [Nathan Ray Seebeck] – Imagn Images
