It's possible that Kirk Cousins will have to dig out those winter clothes for the upcoming NFL season.
ESPN's Bill Barnwell listed Cousins as one of the top nine free agents remaining on the market and suggested that his best fit for next season would be to sign with the Packers and backup Jordan Love. Green Bay is in need of a backup quarterback after Malik Willis signed with the Dolphins, and, as Barnwell points out, the heavy use of play-action in Matt LaFleur's offense is a good match for the Spartans great.
Where should Jauan Jennings, Joey Bosa and Rasheed Walker sign? Which roster needs Kirk Cousins? @billbarnwell finds new homes for nine players still looking for one ⤵️ https://t.co/D4hpMSHxmF
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) March 13, 2026
Even though Cousins is the top quarterback remaining on the market, the likelihood of him getting a starting job is pretty slim. There are a couple of places where he might be able to sign a heavily-incentive-based contract and compete for a starting spot, like the Jets or possibly the Cardinals, but those are hopeless situations. At 37 years old, Cousins might simply want to attach himself to a team that's well run and offers a chance to win a championship. Green Bay would definitely check those boxes.
ESPN believes Kirk Cousins best fit could be in Green Bay
Cousins started last season as the backup to Michael Penix Jr. with the Falcons and when the latter got injured, he started the final eight games of the season, going 5-3 in those contests and he looked solid. The arm definitely isn't what it used to be and Cousins is not going to escape a pass rush, but he can still play in the league.
As good of a football fit as the Packers might be for Cousins, it's a questionable fit with the other intangibles. Cousins has spent the past eight seasons playing indoors with the Vikings and Falcons. Obviously, he had to play one game at Lambeau Field each year with the Vikings, but from week-to-week he played the majority of his games in a controlled environment. Cousins also got to play in a dome with the Falcons and, being in the NFC South, most of the road games were in warmer climates. Does Cousins really want to deal with playing in the bitter cold at this stage in his career?
That's why I believe the Raiders might be his best option. Yes, they are going to draft Fernando Mendoza first overall, but they will need a veteran on the roster and someone that can help the rookie get acclimated with the game and the lifestyle. Find me a better student/mentor match than Mendoza and Cousins?
The good news is Cousins will likely sign somewhere for his 15th season for a decent contract and continue one of the most successful careers. And when Cousins is done with football, there's a 100 percent chance the TV networks will get into a major bidding war for his services. The guy just stays winning.