What next for Kirk Cousins? Top three landing spots after Aaron Rodgers move

After months of speculation, Aaron Rodgers’ long-predicted move to the Pittsburgh Steelers has finally been concluded. With it comes a knock-on effect for other players in the league.

For teams looking for a veteran quarterback to lead the offense, Kirk Cousins presents a decent second-choice to Rodgers. Although Cousins is still under contract with the Atlanta Falcons he has been tipped for a move away and neither side has done much to dispel the rumors.

Cousins has three years remaining on the four-year, $180 million deal signed with the Falcons back in 2024. In the 2025 season Cousins is set to earn a base salary of $27.5 million with a cap hit of $40 million, severely limiting the potential landing spots.

Nevertheless, here’s three places that Kirk Cousins could be playing football in 2025...

Will Kirk Cousins stay at Atlanta?

The most boring option, but remaining at the Atlanta Falcons has a real logic to it. While both parties are open to a split the reality is that Cousins’ options are limited. He has a huge guaranteed salary and the Falcons will be reluctant to eat up a chunk of that to allow him to leave. It will come down to Cousins, now 36, and his desire to play regularly during his final years in the league. If he is willing to take a pay cut, the options will widen for him.

Could Kirk Cousins be a backup to C. J. Stroud?

The Houston Texans thought they had a guaranteed starter in C. J. Stroud but the regular QB has been absent from OTAs in recent weeks. Stroud is reportedly suffering from “general shoulder soreness” but they would not be the first to downplay an offseason injury. If the team is concerned about Stroud’s durability they could look to Cousins as an option, one that has the experience and the quality to serve as an ersatz starter if required.

Would the New Orleans Saints consider Cousins?

It would be a major departure from the youthful quarterback room built by the New Orleans Saints in recent years, but could they be tempted by a cut-price deal? New coach Kellen Moore would probably appreciate the option of a more tested QB in his first season with the team and Cousins is unlikely to hamper the young prospects’ development too badly. For Cousins, it would also give him the chance to remain in the NFC South.

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