Kirk Cousins is expected to be one of the more interesting quarterback names on the market this offseason, but not every team searching for stability under center makes sense as a landing spot. While he could be a nice fit for some, others don’t think so.
According to Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox, the New York Jets should be near the top of the list of teams that avoid Cousins altogether.
“Worst Landing Spot: New York Jets,” Knox wrote. “The New York Jets will probably be in the market for a bridge quarterback this offseason. The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to take Mendoza with the first overall pick, and there doesn't appear to be a QB prospect worth targeting with New York's second overall selection. The Jets do have Justin Fields under contract for another season, though he was a big disappointment in 2025. New York could save $10 million in cap space by cutting Fields with a post-June 1 designation.”
On the surface, the idea of bringing in Cousins doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. The Jets should be able to bring in a quarterback who makes a lot less money and is much younger.
At this stage of his career, Cousins isn’t a bridge quarterback, as he’s an expensive veteran coming off injuries and some rather average play.
New York isn’t one quarterback away either, as the offensive line could use help, the skill group still lacks anything beyond Garrett Wilson if Breece Hall leaves, and the defense, while talented, has holes that need to be figured out. Committing significant money to Cousins would limit the financial flexibility the Jets have.
Even if they landed Cousins, if the Jets win six or seven games with him, they’re not contenders, but they also wouldn’t be positioned to draft their quarterback of the future. That’s the worst place an organization can be in and one New York has dealt with in the past.
There will be some noise about it due to the Jets simply needing a quarterback, but it won’t make much sense. Unless something changes, it’s safe to say that New York will go in a different direction.