There will be several burning questions facing the New York Jets during the 2026 offseason, but among the most prominent will be at the quarterback position.
Justin Fields will likely be looking for a new team, Tyrod Taylor can’t stay healthy long enough to be counted on for a full season, and Brady Cook isn’t ready to be a 17-game starter.
Even if the Jets decide to draft a quarterback with one of their two first-round picks, they’re going to need a veteran to hold down the fort in case of injury or if the rookie isn’t mentally ready to play Week 1.
After a post on X from Garrett Wilson today, New York’s No. 1 wide receiver may have hinted at his choice for the Jets’ best veteran option for 2026.
Garrett Wilson Calls Kirk Cousins ‘A Dog’
On Tuesday evening, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport shared a video on X of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins breaking down the difference in how defenses play when he entered the league in 2012 compared to today’s game.
“I can get on this soapbox if you want me to, like, I can get on this, because I lived the transfer – I lived the jump,” Cousins said with a smile before going on a two-minute tirade about progressions vs. coverage reads.
On Wednesday morning, Wilson responded to the post, calling Cousins “a dog.”
Now, that’s not a full-on endorsement from the former Ohio State star, but it’s clear Wilson has a level of respect for the 37-year-old Cousins.
The Falcons’ veteran quarterback has been starting in place of the injured Michael Penix Jr. in Atlanta, and has played admirably well since being inserted in the lineup.
In seven appearances this season, the former Minnesota Viking has completed 62.6% of his passes for 1,218 yards, to go along with six touchdowns and three interceptions.
His best performance came in Week 15 when Atlanta took on its division rival, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Cousins turned back the clock with a 373-yard, three-touchdown masterclass, leading the Falcons on a last-second drive to get in field goal range to secure the upset victory.
While not the Pro Bowl passer he once was, Cousins can still perform as a serviceable starting quarterback, and may be the best available option for the Jets in 2026.
How Can the Jets Land Kirk Cousins?
Cousins is currently under contract with the Atlanta Falcons and is signed through the 2027 season.
The New York Jets may be able to trade for the veteran quarterback, but his bloated contract may make him less palatable.
The more likely option is Atlanta cutting ties with Cousins.
According to Spotrac, there’s a potential out in his contract following the conclusion of the 2025 season.
By taking on $35 million in dead cap in 2026, the Falcons would be out of his four-year $180 million contract signed in 2024.
He would then likely be willing to play on a veteran’s minimum deal, similar to how Russell Wilson did for the Pittsburgh Steelers after being released by the Denver Broncos.
If the Jets are looking for a low-cost option as their veteran stopgap in 2026, there may be no better candidate than a released Cousins.
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