NFL News

Home

Teams

Quizzes

Watch

Newsletter

Power Rankings

Main Image: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Yes, the Jets Should Pursue Four-Time Pro Bowl Quarterback

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Mike Roberts | Last updated Feb 10, 2026 4:37 PM ET

Kirk Cousins, who might become a free agent this offseason, will draw significant interest from several teams. The New York Jets should be one of those teams, seeing that they’re in need of a quarterback.

Recently, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Atlanta Falcons are expected to release Cousins before the new league year in March.

“Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins is expected to be released before the start of the new league year in March, allowing him to choose where or if he wants to play in 2026, league sources told ESPN,” Schefter wrote. “The Falcons recently restructured Cousins’ contract with the idea that it would be easier for both sides if the four-time Pro Bowler was released sooner rather than later, giving Cousins the optionality that he wanted and adding financial flexibility for Atlanta.”

Kirk Cousins isn’t the star that he used to be. Yet, he would be an upgrade over the team’s 2025 quarterbacks.

Yes, the Jets Should Pursue Kirk Cousins This Offseason

Looking Back at His Career

Dec 16, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) throws the ball against the Las Vegas Raiders in the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Washington selected Kirk Cousins in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL Draft. It was a surprising move, seeing that the team had already selected fellow quarterback Robert Griffin III second overall in the same draft.

However, due to Griffin’s injuries, Cousins eventually became Washington’s full-time starter. He made his first Pro Bowl during the 2016 campaign as he passed for 4,917 yards and 25 touchdowns.

In 2018, Cousins signed with the Minnesota Vikings on a three-year contract worth $84 million. The Michigan State product would play six seasons with the Vikings, making the Pro Bowl three times. He tore his Achilles during his final season in Minnesota.

Cousins then signed a four-year, $180 million deal with the Falcons in 2024. During his first season in Atlanta, he passed for 3,508 yards and 18 touchdowns before being benched in favor of Michael Penix Jr.

Cousins began the 2025 campaign, backing up Penix. However, he eventually became the starter after Penix went down with a season-ending injury. Cousins finished the season with eight starts. He recorded 1,721 yards and ten touchdowns to go along with a rushing touchdown.

Why Cousins Makes Sense for the Jets

The Jets are coming off another disappointing season. They finished with a 3-14 record and missed the playoffs for the 15th consecutive year.

There are several reasons behind New York’s horrible season. No-so-great quarterback play is one reason. Signal-callers Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor, and Brady Cook each had at least four starts. Sorry, but none of those guys were the solution.

The Jets, who own the second overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, were expected to take Oregon quarterback Dante Moore. However, he chose to stay in school. The No. 2 pick would be too high to take any of the draft’s other quarterbacks (except for Fernando Mendoza, who’ll likely go No. 1 to the Las Vegas Raiders).

With that said, signing Kirk Cousins (if he’s released) would be a wise move by the Jets. No, he wouldn’t be Joe Namath 2.0 in New York. But he’s a good veteran QB who can make the team better. He proved this past season that he still has some gas left in the tank.

The Jets might land their franchise signal-caller in the 2027 draft. In the meantime, though, Cousins can serve as a solid bridge quarterback.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: