Which teams are the best landing spot for QB Kirk Cousins?

Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason and should have multiple suitors on the open market.

The 35-year-old Cousins finished his 12th NFL season in heartbreaking fashion, as he tore his Achilles tendon in Week 8 versus the Green Bay Packers.

This injury put him on the shelf for the remainder of the regular season, with the Vikings dropping six of their final nine games in his absence.

As an NFL quarterback, Cousins has shown remarkable accuracy, a risk-averse nature, and the poise to lead several fourth-quarterback comebacks.

Entering the offseason, Cousins must prove to himself and prospective teams that his Achilles injury isn’t a career-ender.

Where will QB Kirk Cousins play in 2024?

Cousins will field offers from most quarterback-needy franchises, but these four teams present the best landing spots for the veteran.

Atlanta Falcons have been linked to Cousins

Cousins has already been linked to the Falcons by an NFL executive this offseason, so there’s possible interest between the two parties.

For Cousins, the Atlanta roster gives him an immediate contender in the NFC. He is a steady, veteran presence that the locker room sorely lacked in 2023.

The Falcons will want to guarantee Cousins is fully healthy for Week 1, but if the medicals are clear, he is an ideal addition to the quarterback room.

Pittsburgh Steelers might replace Kenny Pickett

The Steelers selected Kenny Pickett in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Since then, the former Heisman Trophy finalist has produced turbulent play at quarterback.

Cousins is an immediate upgrade over Pickett, and he would inherit a 10-win roster in Pittsburgh.

Head coach Mike Tomlin needs more from the offense to avoid another early exit in the playoffs. With new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith in tow, a proven commodity like Cousins is enticing.

A reunion with the Washington Commanders

A reunion between Cousins and Washington should be on the table for both sides.

Cousins began his NFL career as a multi-year starter for the Commanders, but the veteran quarterback had a less-than-amicable split from the franchise.

However, the Commanders are under new ownership, paving the way toward potentially mending fences with Cousins.

If Washington decides against selecting a quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft, Cousins is a suitable pivot who can give the offense a reliable option behind center.

Cousins could stick with the Minnesota Vikings

The most likely scenario is Cousins returning to the Vikings in 2024.

He has spent six seasons in Minnesota and blossomed under the tutelage of head coach Kevin O’Connell.

Even if the Vikings explore quarterback options in the 2024 NFL Draft, it shouldn’t stop the front office from inking Cousins to a short-term deal.

Bringing Cousins back to Minnesota allows the team to compete next season while giving them the perfect bridge quarterback for a rookie signal-caller.