Latest Kirk Cousins update could end NY Jets' pursuit of veteran quarterback

The NY Jets are likely not going to be in a position to draft a franchise quarterback in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft after parting ways with Aaron Rodgers, which means Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey will likely need to find their next starter on the free agent market.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins may be an uninspiring option after being benched for Michael Penix Jr, as he is fresh off the worst season he has had in a decade and comes with the same warning flags every veteran quarterback has.

This very attractive option (note massive sarcasm) might be even less likely after some recent comments from Falcons GM Terry Fontenot.

Fontenot intends to go into the season with Cousins, who is still due a ton of guaranteed money in his four-year contract, as his backup quarterback with Penix as the starter. Cousins may not shake free depriving the Jets of another possible QB1.

Kirk Cousins coming to NY Jets just got much less likely after Falcons GM comments

Cousins threw just 18 touchdown passes and 16 interceptions last season, the latter figure of which led the league despite the fact he didn't play in the final three games of the year. Cousins didn't have great mobility beforehand, and the Achilles tear he suffered seems to have robbed him of even more movement.

The Jets already have Tyrod Taylor on the roster, and he reportedly has some fans in the building. Signing Cousins when Taylor is on the roster may not be the refreshing change everyone was hoping for, especially when Cousins is coming off the worst season of his career.

If the Jets want to add a quarterback, they will need to look elsewhere on the free-agent market. Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks Justin Fields and Russell Wilson are scheduled to be available, and Jameis Winston has become a name that has circled amongst the fanbase.

Cousins carries a ton of risk, which may not be ideal for a first-year coach in Glenn trying his best to overturn a decade's worth of consistent losing. If the Falcons are unwilling to give up Cousins, the Jets need to pivot away from him as soon as possible.

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