When the season began, Atlanta made several questionable decisions regarding their offseason acquisitions. Signing Kirk Cousins to a significant contract to leave Minnesota for Atlanta was a bold move by the Falcons’ ownership. It was an especially risky move, considering Cousins was coming off a season-ending injury. This big acquisition was soon followed by Atlanta selecting University of Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick in the draft.
The pick shocked and confused NFL fans on draft day. It also put a time limit on Kirk Cousins’s tenure with the Falcons. Despite growing speculation about Cousins’s ability to regain his former glory, fans held onto hope as the season commenced. Unfortunately, that hope quickly faded as Kirk Cousins struggled, leading the NFL in interceptions.
As the season progressed, it became clear that the time had come to move on from Cousins’ picks and embrace Michael Pen- ix.
Kirk Cousins Fantasy Future
The Falcons are planning to move on from Kirk Cousins in 2025. I believe there are still a few potential destinations for him to be relevant next year. While Cousins may not have performed as many expected, I still believe he can be a serviceable starter for another franchise. He could be a bridge quarterback while a young quarterback develops behind him. Or he might be brought into camp to compete against a struggling current starter.
Regardless of whether or not any of these organizations decide to bring in Kirk Cousins, I strongly believe that the following teams will be heavily speculated in the offseason regarding whether they could be the next Kirk Cousins landing spot.
It’s hard to imagine that any team would be willing to give up anything other than a late-round draft pick in desperation to bring in Kirk Cousins with his contract attached. If Cousins does become a free agent this offseason, here are my top landing spots for him next season.
Where Will Kirk Cousins Play in 2025?
New Orleans Saints
Starting with potential destinations for 2025, the New Orleans Saints are at the bottom of the list. However, they remain a possibility.
Growing up, I believed that NFL teams rarely traded with division rivals. Over the years, I have shifted away from that notion. If Cousins were performing exceptionally well this season, the Saints might be concerned about facing him twice a year. Considering the Falcons were willing to let Cousins go in favor of a rookie during a tight playoff push, they likely wouldn’t worry about competing against him as a divisional rival.
Cousins would certainly be an upgrade over Derek Carr in New Orleans. He could also provide significant support for the Saints’ receiving corps. There’s a stronger chance that Kirk Cousins throws the ball in a spot where the defender can pick it off rather than a spot where the receiver can catch it before getting blasted by the defender while going across the middle. The main concerns would be team culture and salary cap constraints with New Orleans. However, in the NFL, anything can happen during free agency.
Tennesse Titans / NY Jets / The Field
While we could consider the Titans, they are currently positioned to pursue a quarterback like Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders in the draft. That strategy would make Cousins an unlikely fit. The Jets have been rumored to be contemplating a move away from Aaron Rodgers. Although, transitioning from Rodgers to Cousins doesn’t seem like a logical decision for the organization.
Other potential options also include the Giants or the Raiders. However, going to a team that far from contention just to gain a starting role keeps them low on the list.
Indianapolis Colts
I’ve had this conversation many times this season about this topic. When making predictions, it’s often better to view time as circular rather than linear. This means seeing events as a cycle that constantly repeats itself rather than as a straight path where one thing leads to another. Isn’t that what we would be observing here?
I was the biggest advocate for Anthony Richardson coming out of the draft. I actually believed the Panthers should have selected him first overall. My process was that they needed more athleticism as their upside rather than the accuracy upside that Bryce Young offered. I’m glad I process information differently now because, wow!
Even as someone who strongly supported Richardson, I’ve completely lost hope in the Colts’ offense thriving with him at the helm.
It does feel somewhat reminiscent of Matt Ryan leaving the Falcons to join the Colts. The difference between that Colts’ team and this Colts’ team is Shane Steichen. The Colts were on the brink of making the playoffs last season with Gardner Minshew. They still find themselves on the outside looking in with Richardson, with much sloppier offensive play. I may be a little harsher as someone who, at one point, was a strong believer in Richardson. Maybe the answer to fixing Anthony Richardson is to bring a younger option than Joe Flacco to compete for the starting role.
If he turns things around, Cousins could have many more years in the league than Joe Flacco currently can provide for the Colts. Maybe that could’ve played a strong factor in why they decided to go back to Richardson after benching him earlier this season.
It seems unlikely, given the current quarterback market this offseason, that the Colts would be willing to trade Anthony Richardson rather than give him one more year. Although, we did see the Steelers recently trade Kenny Pickett after acquiring Russell Wilson. If the Colts did decide to move on from Richardson this offseason, Kirk Cousins should be the frontrunner to take over in Indianapolis.
Los Angeles Rams
I want to share a perspective about Matthew Stafford that I feel is worth considering. I believe we may be witnessing his last season with the Los Angeles Rams. This is just my opinion, and it’s an outside perspective. Feel free to disregard it if Stafford ends up signing a contract extension this offseason. If such a change occurs, he would be my top candidate for a change in teams.
Last offseason, Stafford restructured his contract with the Rams. This extension included a $12.5 million signing bonus, $23.5 million guaranteed for this year, and a $4 million guaranteed roster bonus due in March, according to NFL Media. Essentially, Stafford signed a one-year, $40 million deal by giving up his guarantees for the 2025 season. This structure gives him the flexibility to sign a new contract next offseason.
At 36 years old, Stafford might be actively seeking a new contract. If the Rams are reluctant to offer him the money or the years he desires, he could potentially change teams next year. This situation is reminiscent of what happened with Kirk Cousins and the Vikings last season. Then, the Falcons were willing to give Cousins a deal that the Vikings wouldn’t match. What if the Vikings are interested in offering Stafford a similar contract? This would allow him to reunite with Kevin O’Connell in Minnesota. With how well Sam Darnold has played this season, there’s reason to believe he should be the franchise guy for the future in Minnesota. But with Darnold’s play, other organizations could come calling and offering a bigger contract than Minnesota wants to offer.
Additionally, the Rams were the mystery team during the NFL Draft, trying to trade up with the Jets for J.J. McCarthy. Perhaps Matthew Stafford will indeed become J.J. McCarthy’s mentor, but in Minnesota instead?
If Stafford heads to Minnesota to chase a championship with Kevin O’Connell, a pupil of Sean McVay, it raises an interesting question. Maybe McVay wants to prove that he can win a Super Bowl without Stafford. Perhaps he’s thinking, “If Kyle Shanahan can lead a team to the Super Bowl with Jimmy Garoppolo and Mr. Irrelevant, how far can I go with Kirk Cousins?”
Cleveland Browns
I understand your hesitations. Who really wants to read an entire article just to find out that Kirk Cousins’ most desirable destination might be Cleveland? It might be challenging to convince you, but I’m ready to take on the task!
One significant factor in Cousins’ decision about where to play next season will be weighing the pros and cons to determine if this new situation is worth it or if it’s time for him to retire. Some might argue that Cleveland isn’t appealing enough to win that internal debate. I believe a reunion with Kevin Stefanski could be a considerable advantage for him.
Another common question is: How could the Browns afford both Deshaun Watson and Kirk Cousins? The answer is somewhat similar to how the Browns’ divisional rival, the Pittsburgh Steelers, recently acquired Russell Wilson at a veteran minimum. This type of deal is possible now that Deshaun Watson has recently restructured his contract with the Browns. The restructure allows an extra two void years to the deal and gives the Browns a little more wiggle room for the future.
Regardless of whether Watson is still with the Browns in 2025, they can sign Cousins to a veteran minimum since Atlanta will still owe him his guaranteed money. Personally, I would prefer for the Browns to cut Watson after signing Cousins. It would signify significant change within the organization. Kirk Cousins would be a much better bridge quarterback in Cleveland. He is someone who’s been with Stefanski at some of his best moments and clearly understands the system.
Despite all his struggles this season, one thing is certain: Kirk Cousins is a locker-room leader. His personality is widely loved by NFL fans. Given the turmoil the Browns have faced recently, Kirk Cousins could be the culture changer that Cleveland needs. He has the potential to make Browns fans fall in love with football again. He will provide them with a player to root for. Think about how the fans rallied around Jameis Winston this season.
If the Browns can draft Cam Ward or even Jalen Milroe later in 2025 as their long-term solution, having Kirk Cousins as Kevin Stefanski’s short-term answer could ultimately turn into a winning strategy. I genuinely think Cleveland might be onto something if they decide to give Cousins a shot.
An Alternative – Retirement
I know what you’re thinking: “Retirement isn’t a team.” However, whichever studio he joins as an analyst in 2025—be it ESPN, FOX, or CBS—would indeed become his new team. You could even come to Club Fantasy FFL, Kirk!
While it’s true that those organizations would provide him with new teammates, I was referring more to the idea of him dedicating full-time to his current team: his family.
One of the many reasons Kirk Cousins has become a fan favorite in recent years is his charismatic yet relatable personality. I’m trying to connect with Cousins here. I wouldn’t blame him at all if he chooses to prioritize time with his family over extending his NFL career for a few more seasons. This is especially true if there are no great opportunities this offseason.
Conclusion
This could be me screaming into the ether. I’m trying to connect the dots of the 2025 offseason before it even begins. Ultimately, this is just someone who’s a fan of Kirk Cousins pushing for him to get another opportunity to do what he loves doing. I do selfishly hope that Cousins continues on his journey and finds another team. Most importantly, I hope he chooses whatever makes him and his family the happiest in this next chapter.
I have only one mind. I tend to think of things in a certain way based on the research that I’ve previously gathered. However, I am also curious about what the reader believes. So please, if you enjoyed this article, let me know! Where do you believe Kirk Cousins is heading? Or did I miss an important detail, and the team isn’t currently listed? You can find me on X and BlueSky at the links below!
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