The Kirk Cousins Era is all but over in Atlanta, as the Falcons announced they plan on releasing the quarterback at the start of the league year. This is an unfortunate development for the former fourth-round pick, but it’s not all that surprising. Cousins signed a massive four-year, $180 million contract with Atlanta prior to the 2024 season but quickly lost the starting job to first-round pick Michael Penix. While he did start in the back half of 2025 after Penix tore his ACL, he didn’t do enough to justify his gaudy contract.
The days of Kirk Cousins as a borderline top-10 quarterback are probably at an end, but he’s still good enough to start in this league. During his time under center, the quarterback completed 61.7% of his passes for 1,721 yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions. There aren’t enough starting-caliber quarterbacks to go around, and one of the following three teams could make a move for his services.
3 Teams That Could Sign Kirk Cousins, Ranked
3. Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals need a new quarterback as, much like Cousins, Kyler Murray isn’t good enough to justify his current contract. While Green Bay Packers free agent Malik Willis appears to be Arizona’s top target, Kirk Cousins could be a fine fallback option after the Falcons release him. Cousins isn’t a worldbeater at this stage in his career, but he should come cheap and might find some success with the underrated supporting cast of Trey McBride, Michael Wilson, and Marvin Harrison Jr.
2. Miami Dolphins
Technically speaking, Tua Tagovailoa is still a member of the Miami Dolphins. However, everyone knows the team will part ways with him, likely in the coming weeks. While the Dolphins would prefer to trade him, they might have no choice but to release him. Doing this means eating a sizable chunk of dead money, which will likely keep them out of the Malik Willis sweepstakes.
Enter Kirk Cousins. The former Falcons quarterback may not be enough to take down Josh Allen and Drake Maye in the division, but a competent option under center should help first-year head coach Jeff Hafley build the foundation for a winning organization.
1. Minnesota Vikings
Far and away the most likely option is a return to the Minnesota Vikings. Kirk Cousins had the best years of his career with the Vikings and head coach Kevin O’Connell, so nobody should be surprised if he leaves the Falcons for a familiar situation. The roster is still talented, and superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson can make anyone look like a great quarterback.
Well, almost anyone. Former first-round pick J.J. McCarthy had a disastrous start to his career, missing all of 2024 and a good chunk of 2025 while looking terrible when on the field. Perhaps he can turn it around, but this roster is ready to win now, and Kirk Cousins can lead a more competitive team.
Main Photo: Dale Zanine – Imagn Images
