Shortly after it was learned that the New York Jets were hiring former Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich as their new offensive coordinator, a report revealed that the Atlanta Falcons plan to part ways with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins before the new league year opens on March 11.
On Wednesday, NFL insider Connor Hughes of SNY suggested that the Jets will be ready to pounce once Cousins officially becomes available.
Why Jets’ Frank Reich may welcome opportunity to work with Kirk Cousins
“League consensus suggests their long-term answer may not arrive until the 2027 class,” Hughes wrote about the Jets possibly landing a quarterback during the upcoming draft. “In the meantime, they are expected to explore another veteran stopgap. Jacoby Brissett could be a trade option, while Cousins represents one of the top potential free agent targets. Frank Reich, the Jets’ new offensive coordinator, has historically preferred bigger quarterbacks. Cousins, listed at 6-3 and 205 pounds, fits that profile and shares a personal relationship with Reich rooted in their faith. Though the 37-year-old (who turns 38 in August) is no longer in his prime, he showed last season he can still operate efficiently.”
Cousins went 5-2 and recorded 10 touchdown passes with five interceptions while serving as Atlanta’s temporary QB1 from Week 12 through Week 18 in 2025.
As for the Jets, they are expected to part ways with 2025 Week 1 starter Justin Fields. Brady Cook very much played like a 2025 undrafted rookie during his appearances with the Jets this past season, and Gang Green also has journeyman backup Tyrod Taylor on the roster.
Will Jets lose Kirk Cousins to NFC team?
Hughes also acknowledged that “there is leaguewide belief” that the Minnesota Vikings will reach out to Cousins. Cousins played well under Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell from September 2022 up until a torn Achilles ended Cousins’ 2023 season in October of that year. Minnesota is expected to acquire some competition for current starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy, and possible Vikings target Aaron Rodgers may soon return to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“The Jets made an aggressive push to sign Cousins in 2018,” Hughes added. “Their offer was actually the most lucrative. Cousins chose to sign with the Vikings then, too.”
History may repeat itself for a Jets team that once again is a punching bag for pockets of media personalities and football fans this winter.