2 Kirk Cousins Theories Take Off
Kirk Cousins was Minnesota’s quarterback for six years. A controversial figure in Vikings lore, Cousins provided solid play during his tenure in the North and ultimately left in 2024. Two years later, his next team, the Falcons, have released the veteran and he’s now looking for a new job. The Los Angeles Rams and the Green Bay Packers have emerged as favorites to acquire his services for the 2026 season.
Cousins started eight games last year with the Falcons and still looked like a competent quarterback, though no longer capable of throwing for the usual 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns.
In free agency, no team has shown interest in him as a starter, as the Vikings and Jets went in a different direction. The Steelers are still waiting on Aaron Rodgers and the Cleveland Browns and the Arizona Cardinals appear to be happy with what they have under contract.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams are still in the market for a new backup quarterback, as Jimmy Garoppolo’s deal has expired. Matthew Stafford is coming off an MVP season, but he’s 38 and has an extensive injury history.
In case of an injury, the Rams need someone to keep the season alive. They have the defense and the offensive supporting cast to make a Super Bowl run, even with a backup under center.
During this year’s league meeting, Rams head coach Sean McVay was asked about his backup situation and he didn’t avoid the question.
McVay said, “I’d love to have Jimmy Garoppolo back with us. … Is there an opportunity if it’s not Jimmy, that it’s Kirk Cousins? Of course, I’d love to see what that looks like. Those are two guys we’ve talked about. I’ve communicated with Kirk and (his agent) Mike McCartney, and those are things we’re very interested in possibly exploring. But again, it’s really premature. I know Kirk has some other options and opportunities as well. But he’s a guy I have familiarity with, history and a lot of reverence for.”
Cousins was McVay’s QB during their Washington days from 2014 to 2016. McVay was the offensive coordinator until the Rams hired him. Cousins started some games in 2014 and became the full-time starter in 2015.
The coach added that Garoppolo’s return isn’t likely.
Green Bay Packers
Guess who was also on Washington’s legendary coaching staff in the 2010s? Matt LaFleur was the QB coach from 2010 to 2013, coaching 2012 draftee Cousins for two seasons. The coach then left for Atlanta, later joined McVay in Los Angeles, had a year in Tennessee and has been Green Bay’s head coach since 2019.
Backup Malik Willis departed for Miami in free agency, leaving Green Bay without a reliable QB2 behind Jordan Love. Starter Love missed two games in each of the last two seasons.
Asked about Cousins, Packers GM Brian Gutekunst said at the league meeting, “Yeah, we’ve discussed a lot of those options. Obviously that’s a guy who’s got a lot of pelts on the wall in this league, so we’ve certainly discussed all those kind of things.”
Cousins has fought some hard battles with the Packers over the years, including in what turned out to be his final performance in a purple uniform that ended with a torn Achilles tendon in a winning effort.
Two More Options
Cousins has recently worked in the studio as an analyst and his commentary has drawn some praise. He could further pursue that avenue.
Another potential path would be to remain unsigned and wait for the right opportunity. If a starting quarterback suffers an injury during the season, someone might scramble to hire Cousins for the remainder of the season. The 2023 Vikings would’ve loved to get their hands on a quarterback like that and there are a couple of teams in that situation every year. Perhaps waiting is his best move right now.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.