It’s more than a million-dollar question — where Kirk Cousins will play in 2026 is one of the biggest storylines heading into next season.
For the Atlanta Falcons, it’s actually a $67.9 million question.
If the Falcons were to keep Cousins at the start of the new league year, his 2026 base salary would be just $2.1 million. However, after the two sides worked out a modified contract, Cousins is guaranteed $67.9 million in 2027.
That’s why ESPN’s Adam Schefter recently reported that Atlanta is expected to release Cousins before the start of the new league year. Doing so would make him an unrestricted free agent, free to sign wherever he chooses.
While that could leave Atlanta in a difficult spot at quarterback — especially with Michael Penix Jr. rehabbing a torn ACL suffered in November — Cousins should still have multiple suitors across the league.
One of them, according to ESPN’s Ben Solak, hasn’t been discussed nearly as often.
AFC East Team Named as Potential Kirk Cousins Landing Spot
Despite already having a quarterback under a sizable contract, Solak listed the Miami Dolphins as a possible destination for Cousins.
“I like the Dolphins as a Kirk Cousins team, but if he prefers to return to Minnesota, it’s tough to find any ideal options,” Solak wrote. “Malik Willis has the coaching familiarity, but the Dolphins will get priced out. Bobby Slowik coached Davis Mills in Houston, but again, I don’t like trading picks given the Dolphins’ current cap position. It really might be a Quinn Ewers year in Miami.”
On Super Bowl LX Sunday, NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo reported on “NFL GameDay Morning” that the Dolphins are likely moving on from Tua Tagovailoa. Like Cousins, Tagovailoa’s situation will come to a head by March 11.
That could leave first-year head coach Jeff Hafley leaning on second-year quarterback Quinn Ewers, who has just three career starts.
Ewers may be part of Miami’s long-term plan. But adding a veteran like Cousins, who may come at a cheaper price than others, would provide immediate stability for a team still trying to contend.
Willis’ projected market value is two-years, $71 million, according to Spotrac. Cousins is one-year, $10.7 million.
Vikings, Other Options Available For Kirk Cousins In 2026
If it were purely up to Cousins and his family, a return to Minnesota might make the most sense.
Cousins spent six seasons with the Vikings, throwing for more than 23,000 yards with 171 touchdowns and 55 interceptions. He posted a 50-37-1 record as a starter and went 1-2 in the postseason.
Solak, however, described Cousins as a short-term solution, not matter what team he may play for.
“Cousins is an evident stopgap quarterback — a one-year solution for a team that needs passable play for short-term relief,” Solak wrote.
There’s also the possibility that Cousins decides not to play at all, Solak said.
“Cousins is reportedly mulling retirement and television as an option in this free agent period. If the marriage isn’t right for one last go, he might forgo signing with a team entirely.”
Whether it’s Miami, back to Minnesota or Atlanta, or retirement, Cousins named will continue to be dropped regarding any team needing a quarterback going into the 2026 season.
Falcons’ Kirk Cousins Linked to Surprising AFC Team