The New York Jets’ quarterback situation could be solved this offseason in multiple ways, and SNY’s Connor Hughes believes a familiar veteran name could be a legitimate short-term solution. However, I think the Jets shouldn’t do so unless they bring in a rookie to learn from the veteran.
With the organization still searching for stability under center, Hughes pointed to Kirk Cousins as a potential fit, mainly due to the Jets’ current timeline and offensive struggles a year ago.
“Quarterback is the Jets’ most glaring need,” Hughes wrote. “They could select a developmental prospect in the draft, but league consensus suggests their long-term answer may not arrive until the 2027 class. 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. In eight starts, Cousins went 5-3, completing 61.7 percent of his passes for 1,721 yards with 10 touchdowns and five interceptions.
“There is leaguewide belief Minnesota could consider bringing Cousins back to compete with J.J. McCarthy. Cousins spent six productive seasons with the Vikings. If that scenario unfolds, the Jets may need to pivot to other options. Coincidentally, the Jets made an aggressive push to sign Cousins in 2018. Their offer was actually the most lucrative. Cousins chose to sign with the Vikings then, too.”
The stats from last season, while limited to hardly any playing time outside of Michael Penix Jr. being injured, show that he can still be an OK option in the right system. For the Jets, even if Cousins is far from what he once was, it matters.
This roster isn’t built to win now, though, so adding Cousins just to try to win more games doesn’t make any sense to me. If they draft someone and want them to learn, go for it. If not, go another direction.