Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons
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(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
NFL free agency began weeks ago and former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins has yet to find himself on a new team following his release.
After spending two up-and-down seasons in Atlanta, the Falcons, now under new leadership, decided to move on. In doing so, the team will pay Cousins $10 million in 2026 for not playing, while also taking on a $22.5 million dead cap hit.
Considering his age, 37, but also his past production, Cousins was viewed as one of the more notable veteran options on the market for several teams. However, that hasn’t materialized yet.
That could change soon — especially if Cousins becomes open to taking on a backup role.
Rams Emerge as Potential Landing Spot for Kirk Cousins After Falcons Release
The NFL is currently holding its annual league meetings in Phoenix, Arizona, where head coaches and executives are meeting with media.
In this case, it wasn’t Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski drawing attention, but rather Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay. According to The 33rd Team’s Ari Meirov, McVay didn’t rule out the possibility of adding Cousins.
“#Rams HC Sean McVay told reporters that adding Kirk Cousins as the backup to Matthew Stafford is an option,” Meirov said. “Bringing back Jimmy Garoppolo is also in the cards. McVay and Cousins were together in Washington before McVay became the Rams’ head coach.”
Cousins and McVay share familiarity from their time in Washington from 2012-2016, when McVay rose through the coaching ranks before becoming offensive coordinator.
During that stretch, Cousins posted a 19-21-1 record as a starter while throwing for 12,113 yards, 72 touchdowns and 42 interceptions.
Cousins later moved on to the Minnesota Vikings in 2018, where he spent six seasons before signing with Atlanta in 2024.
Kirk Cousins Could Face Major Career Shift
A move to Los Angeles would represent a significant shift for Cousins — one that he previously tried to avoid.
When he signed with the Falcons, Cousins was caught off guard by the team selecting Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 draft. That decision created immediate uncertainty around his role, despite his four-year, $180 million deal. And it’s something that never fully settled during his time in Atlanta.
Cousins even went as far as requesting a trade from owner Arthur Blank, which was denied. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Falcons also turned down interest from other teams.
“I know that they called on him last year, and the Falcons at the time didn’t want to trade him, didn’t want to engage in trade talks,” Pelissero said on The Rich Eisen Show.
Now, Cousins is in a very different position.
He’s free to sign wherever he chooses, including with teams like the Steelers, who are still waiting on a decision from Aaron Rodgers.
At this point, it’s largely a waiting game.
While there’s always a chance a starting opportunity could open unexpectedly, Cousins’ most realistic path back into the league may come as a backup.
If that happens, the Rams would offer a compelling situation — a Super Bowl Bowl contender with a familiar system and a chance to reset his career in a different role.