Packers emerge as perfect fit for veteran quarterback who could offer a solution to a new issue
Kirk Cousins is still available.
The Green Bay Packers lost Malik Willis in free agency, and while Desmond Ridder is the new backup with starting experience, the front office may still be open to add to the quarterback room. And ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell brings an interesting idea, mentioning the Packers as the ideal landing spot for Kirk Cousins.
“The Packers need a backup quarterback after losing Malik Willis to the Dolphins in free agency. They run play-action at one of the highest rates in the league under Matt LaFleur. 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.” — Bill Barnwell
Why it makes sense
Cousins isn’t in his prime anymore, but the financials and schematic fit make it a viable alternative for a short-term fix. First, the veteran quarterback knows the system pretty well — LaFleur was Washington’s quarterbacks coach for Cousins’ first two years in the NFL. The familiarity could help if the veteran had to play, sure, but Cousins would also be a helpful tool to maximize Jordan Love’s performance.
Additionally, Kirk Cousins would have a low cost for the Packers. Because he was released by the Atlanta Falcons with $10 million in guaranteed money, the acquiring team will most likely only pay him the veteran minimum salary, $1.3 million. That combination is good because of the cost itself, but also because Cousins wouldn’t count against the compensatory pick formula — the Packers are slated to receive four comp picks in 2027 for losing Malik Willis, Romeo Doubs, Quay Walker, and Rasheed Walker or Kingsley Enagbare in free agency.
Why it doesn’t make sense
Kirk Cousins had some high-level moments in the NFL, playing consistently well for Washington and for the Minnesota Vikings. He was never an elite quarterback, but it’s not a coincidence that he made the Pro Bowl four times over the past decade and had five seasons as a full-time starter and a passer rating over 100.
However, those days are likely gone. After tearing his Achilles a few years ago, Cousins lost mobility and hasn’t been able to replicate his best moments. Throughout his two years with the Falcons, he had 28 touchdowns and 21 interceptions, with passer ratings of 88.6 and 84.8.
Amongst 33 quarterbacks with at least 500 plays between 2024 and 2025, Cousins was 23rd in adjusted EPA/play, 17th in success rate, and 26th in completion percentage over expectation. Because of his physical limitations, the offense would obviously look much different that what it does with Love or what it did with Willis.
Despite all the issues, getting Kirk Cousins for the veteran minimum would still be a valuable addition — at least to compete for the backup job. Ultimately, Desmond Ridder was available for free late last season and initially signed to the practice squad, something the Packers could try to do again this year if they see some long-term potential in Ridder — otherwise, Kyle McCord could be that option. At the same time, Cousins offers more short-term security for the backup spot.
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