Every offseason, several NFL teams are searching for their next quarterback.
Whether it be a youngster through the draft or an old-timer to serve as a bridge to the future at the position, there are always various names floated during the down period in the league’s schedule.
This offseason, a familiar face has resurfaced as a popular option for those in need of a new man under center — Kirk Cousins. And on Monday, an NFL insider provided a look into what the Atlanta Falcons’ QB’s future may hold.
What’s next
Cousins spent the first half of the season as a backup, but started his team’s eight games in the latter half of the year after an injury sustained by Michael Penix. He finished the 2025 campaign with a 5-3 record, completing 61.7% of his passes for 1,721 yards and 10 touchdowns to five interceptions.
He is expected to be highly sought after as soon as free agency opens on March 11, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, who revealed the expectation for Cousins’ future while appearing on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Monday.
“He’s expected to be released,” said Schefter. “They restructured his contract with the idea that he would be released. He’ll be released before the new league year begins.”
If Schefter’s report is correct, Cousins would be in line to join the fourth team of his 15-year playing career. With that said, Schefter left the door open for the 37-year-old to explore other opportunities.
“I think he’d like to play, but he’s going to consider all his options,” added Schefter. “That could include TV, that could include retirement, business—whatever it is that he wants to do, he will have the option of doing it. But the Falcons will release him before the start of the new league year, so that will be an option for him.”
Potential option
Cousins previously played for the Minnesota Vikings, who may be in search of a veteran QB to pair with former first-round pick J.J. McCarthy. Schefter mentioned the Vikings as a potential landing spot for the soon-to-be free agent.
“I asked Kirk about Minnesota last week, and I didn’t get a no, but I didn’t get a yes,” he said. “It’s possible, but there’s a lot of things out there that are possible with him.”
Cousins is sure to be a red-hot name in the weeks to come.
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