Kirk Cousins, Los Angeles Rams
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ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 04: Kirk Cousins #18 of the Atlanta Falcons warms up prior to the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Rams are not shying away from their interest in four-time Pro Bowler Kirk Cousins, with general manager Les Snead joining head coach Sean McVay in commenting on the veteran quarterback.
McVay has even taken a direct approach to the situation.
The Rams have Matthew Stafford in place atop their QB depth chart, but there is plenty of uncertainty behind him.
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Kirk Cousins, Los Angeles Rams
GettyKirk Cousins #18 of the Atlanta Falcons looks on during a game against the Detroit Lions.
Kay Adams asked Snead directly about the Rams’ potential interest in Cousins, whom the Atlanta Falcons released this offseason after two years of a four-year, $180 million contract.
“That is a possibility,” Snead told Adams on “Up & Adams” on April 1. “Kirk’s got opportunities, and our approach with the backup QB situation has been [to] give those players some space. They’re trying to figure out what’s next for them.
“If it’s a win-win, then we’ll make it work.”
Adams pressed Snead about what would constitute a “win-win” for Cousins signing with the Rams.
“The win of Kurt is, hey, the experience he’s had in the league, the experience he’s had with Sean and that offense. So, if we were to have to go to Kirk, that experience is going to, right– probably at a macro-level–be more net positive than net negative.”
Cousins went 12-10 as the Falcons’ starter.
He completed 65% of his passes for 5,229 yards, 28 touchdowns and 21 interceptions in 24 games across his two seasons with the franchise.
The Rams have also left the door open for Jimmy Garoppolo to return as Stafford’s backup for the third straight season. Their only other QB under contract for the 2026 campaign is 2023 fourth-round pick Stetson Bennett IV.
Sean McVay Sends Direct Message to Kirk Cousins
Kirk Cousins.
GettyKirk Cousins #18 of the Atlanta Falcons speaks with reporters.
McVay was even more candid about the Rams’ interest in Cousins than Snead, citing their time together in Washington and how pivotal it was for him.
McVay also put it in plain words that Cousins should pay the Rams a visit in free agency.
“I’ll tell you what meant a lot about, just Kirk and I’s relationship,” McVay said on “NFL Live” on March 30. “His first opportunity to really start full-time was when I first got an opportunity to call plays. Jay Gruden, giving me a chance as an [offensive coordinator], and really kind of putting his arm around me and helping me grow.
“Kirk and I experienced a lot of kind of first things together. And so, there was a real foundational relationship. His success, and really the success that we were able to have as a team, was instrumental in getting an opportunity to get to LA. So I’m forever indebted to him.”
However, McVay reiterated that Cousins could feel as though he would have a greater opportunity elsewhere, rather than sign with the Rams to be a backup option behind Stafford.
McVay believes Cousins is still a starting-level QB in the NFL.
“Kirk was awesome. He’s special, he’s played out at a high level. He’s a starting quarterback in this league. It’s just a matter of what’s he looking for, what the situation is. And if there is some interest in us, Kirk, come see us, man.”
There has been no deal yet, but the Rams have contacted Cousins and his agent, Mike McCartney, underscoring the significant interest in the 37-year-old (38 in August) passer.