Kirk Cousins’ time with the Atlanta Falcons started with high hopes but appears to be heading toward an abrupt and unceremonious ending. After a brutal stretch that saw the Falcons tumble out of playoff contention, Cousins has been benched to favor rookie Michael Penix Jr. Now, the question looms: where does Cousins go from here?
Let’s break down the most logical destinations for the veteran quarterback in 2025.
5. Cleveland Browns
Cleveland could offer Cousins a fresh start under the guidance of a coach who knows his strengths. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski served as Cousins’ offensive coordinator with the Minnesota Vikings in 2019, a season when Cousins posted a career-best 107.4 passer rating and earned a Pro Bowl nod.
Is Kirk Cousins a realistic option for the Browns at QB next season? Plus, is Dorian Finney-Smith the missing piece of the Cavs championship puzzle? Watch the Ultimate Cleveland Sports Show at 11 a.m. https://t.co/ank1rXNrdf
— WKYC 3News (@wkyc) December 18, 2024
The Browns remain tied to Deshaun Watson for at least two more years, but if Cleveland decides to cut its losses on Watson’s underwhelming tenure, Cousins could represent a low-cost stopgap option. Stefanski’s offensive familiarity and an improving Browns roster could give Cousins the tools he needs to bounce back.
4. Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans may offer Kirk Cousins the clearest route to a starting role. Rookie Will Levis has failed to inspire confidence, leading to his benching in favor of Mason Rudolph. With the Titans potentially locked out of the top-tier quarterback prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft, Cousins could provide much-needed stability.
While his penchant for turnovers might be concerning, his experience could bring consistency to an offense that has often struggled to execute. Tennessee could also draft a quarterback in later rounds, pairing Cousins with a younger signal-caller as part of a measured rebuild.
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Also Read: Atlanta Falcons Make Shocking Move At Quarterback With Their Playoff Hopes Hanging On By A Thread
3. New York Giants
The Giants are staring down a pivotal decision regarding their quarterback situation. A prolonged losing streak has positioned them for a top draft pick, but using it on a rookie doesn’t preclude bringing in a veteran like Cousins.
Kirk Cousins will throw Malik Nabers 20 passes a game next year!
— Maverick (@maverick_bet) December 18, 2024
New York Giants will get Cousins as their next QB! pic.twitter.com/piyYub4ygQ
If the Giants retain head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen, as co-owner John Mara has suggested, Cousins could serve as a bridge starter while mentoring a first-round quarterback. The Giants’ thin quarterback market makes Cousins one of the more appealing options if he’s open to such a role.
2. New York Jets
The Jets are entering the offseason as a blank slate, especially with Aaron Rodgers reportedly unlikely to return. Cousins could step in as a placeholder starter for a new regime that might not want to gamble on a rookie quarterback in what’s shaping up to be a weak class.
Surrounded by playmakers like Breece Hall, Garrett Wilson, and possibly Davante Adams, Cousins could stabilize the Jets’ offense. However, transitioning from a 41-year-old Rodgers to a 36-year-old Cousins might not sit well with a frustrated fanbase.
1. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts have already learned the hard way about banking too heavily on veteran quarterbacks nearing the end of their careers. Still, Cousins could provide valuable insurance behind Anthony Richardson, who has struggled with injuries and inconsistency.
If Kirk Cousins now wants out of Atlanta & waives his no trade clause… wonder if the Colts would be an option?
— Chris Myers (@The_ChrisMyers) December 18, 2024
Looks like 6 teams in need of a true quarterback for next season!#NFL
General manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen could feel the pressure to improve quickly if they remain on the hot seat in 2025. Cousins’ presence as a reliable backup—and possibly a spot starter—could be enticing for a team not yet ready to abandon its faith in Richardson.
Kirk Cousins’ future is far from certain, and his next destination will depend on how teams weigh his track record against his recent struggles. From familiar faces in Cleveland to fresh starts in Tennessee or New York, Cousins will likely have options. Whether he can rebuild his career or fade into the background as a backup remains to be seen.
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