The Green Bay Packers lost one of the highest-profiled backup quarterbacks in quite some time to NFL free agency this spring. Malik Willis agreed to join former Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley with the Miami Dolphins.
That has left the Packers without a backup quarterback. To replace Willis, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell proposed Green Bay sign former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins.
“They run play-action at one of the highest rates in the league under Matt LaFleur,” Barnwell wrote on Friday. “Jordan Love has missed two games to injury in each of the past two years, so the Packers have to be conscious of their need to have a backup they trust if Love can’t go.
“While LaFleur might try to find value with another prospect in the same way the Packers once did when they traded for Willis, Cousins would be a solid option as the backup behind Love in 2026.”
The Atlanta Falcons released Cousins this offseason. Two years ago, the Falcons signed Cousins to a 4-year, $180 million contract.
There’s little doubt the 37-year-old would probably prefer to land in a place where he could start. That’s not Green Bay.
But starting opportunities are drying up around the league. In addition to the Dolphins, the Indianapolis Colts, New York Jets, Minnesota Vikings and Falcons either signed or traded for potential veteran starters during the first week of free agency.
As a backup last season in Atlanta, Cousins made eight starts, leading the team to a 5-3 record. Cousins completed 61.7% of his passes for 10 touchdowns and five interceptions while averaging 6.4 yards per attempt.
Before the Falcons, Cousins played six seasons for both the Vikings and then Washington Redskins.
Why Kirk Cousins Could Fit With the Green Bay Packers
Cousins would obviously be a completely different type of backup quarterback for the Packers. He’s a statue in the pocket compared to the ultra-athletic Willis.
But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Jordan Love isn’t much of a runner himself, so his style is actually a bit closer to Cousins than Willis.
Putting that aside, if the Packers added Cousins, they would have one of the best backup quarterbacks in the league again during 2026.
NFL.com’s Gregg Rosenthal rated 37-year-old the No. 51 NFL free agent this offseason.
“Cousins looked better another year removed from Achilles surgery. He remains too hesitant to stand in against pressure, but can still manage a game like a high-level backup or bridge starter,” wrote Rosenthal.
Cousins began his career as a backup to Robert Griffin III. Cousins became Washington’s full-time starter during his fourth season, which was 2015.
Since then, Cousins has been one of the highest-priced signal-callers in the league. He’s earned $321.69 million during his 14-year NFL career.
Spotrac projected the veteran’s value for 2026 at $10.7 million on a 1-year deal.
Other Backup QB Options for Packers
After the first four days of NFL free agency, Cousins could be looking at backup opportunities.
For the Packers, they might prefer a younger, higher-upside backup signal caller than Cousins, like Willis was. But the quarterback market is drying up from a team perspective too.
In addition to Cousins, the best remaining free agent quarterback options are Joe Flacco, Russell Wilson, and Tyrod Taylor. Aaron Rodgers is also a free agent, but he’s obviously not a potential target for the Packers.
Unless Green Bay executed a trade for someone such as Anthony Richardson, then it appears highly likely the team will go with an older veteran behind Love.
Cousins owns an 88-77-2 record as an NFL starter. He has thrown for 44,700 yards with 298 touchdowns and 131 interceptions.
Packers Urged to Sign Former $180 Million QB to Replace Malik Wills