Kirk Cousins: A Veteran Presence Available on the Market

The 2026 NFL league year has officially opened, leaving several notable players still seeking new teams, including veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. The 37-year-old, four-time Pro Bowl signal-caller was released by the Atlanta Falcons in mid-March.

This move followed the Falcons' decision to build their future quarterback room around Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa. Cousins is now looking to join his fourth franchise since being drafted by Washington back in 2012.

The Los Angeles Rams Connection

The Los Angeles Rams have publicly expressed interest in bringing Cousins back into the fold. Head coach Sean McVay admitted on Monday that the team needs another reliable arm in the quarterback room.

McVay noted, “Obviously, people make some of the connections with Kirk... Jimmy and Kirk are guys that I’d love to be able to have back with us.” McVay previously served as Washington’s offensive coordinator from 2014 to 2016, overlapping with Cousins’s tenure there.

A Foundational Relationship

McVay elaborated on their history, stating they shared many foundational experiences together in Washington. He credited Cousins’s success, and the team's subsequent success, as instrumental in launching his own career in Los Angeles.

“Kirk was awesome and he’s played at a high level. He’s a starting quarterback in this league,” McVay added. He extended an open invitation: “If there is some interest in us, Kirk, come see us man! We’d love to have you.”

For the Rams, signing Cousins behind reigning MVP Matthew Stafford would be ideal. He offers immediate familiarity with the offensive scheme and provides a proven, competent backup should Stafford face injury.

Three Other Teams Seeking Veteran Depth

While the Rams are interested, Cousins has other suitors looking for experienced insurance behind their young or established starters.

Green Bay Packers

The Packers require a reliable backup option behind starter Jordan Love. Cousins previously worked with Green Bay head coach Matt LaFleur when LaFleur was the quarterbacks coach in Washington.

This familiarity with the West Coast-adjacent offense makes him a strong fit. Cousins would serve as an excellent insurance policy, especially since Love has missed game time in two of his first three seasons as the full-time starter.

Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders currently possess only one quarterback on their roster, Aidan O’Connell, heading into the draft. They need a seasoned veteran to guide the position, particularly if they select a rookie with the No. 1 overall pick.

Cousins’s extensive experience makes him the perfect mentor for a developing rookie like a potential draftee. Furthermore, new Raiders coach Klink Kubiak has prior experience with Cousins, having served as his quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator during their time together with the Vikings.

Pittsburgh Steelers

If the Steelers do not secure the return of Aaron Rodgers for the 2026 season, they will face a significant pivot at the quarterback position. Even if their primary plan involves developing a younger player, they need an established presence.

Cousins offers the veteran leadership and proven NFL success that any team in transition at the position would value highly.