ClutchPoints
The New York Jets are no strangers to seismic quarterback decisions. For years, they’ve cycled through young talent and veteran placeholders, desperately searching for stability at the most important position in sports. As the 2025 NFL regular season approaches, it feels like deja vu all over again in Florham Park. After a turbulent preseason from newly signed Justin Fields—who was expected to take hold of the reins—there are once again serious questions about whether this team can contend with him under center. If the Jets wish to salvage a promising roster stocked with playoff-caliber talent, they need to make one bold, last-minute move: trade for veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins.
When the Jets signed Justin Fields this offseason following his departure from Atlanta, optimism in New York spiked. Fields’ athleticism and arm strength brought intrigue to a locker room eager for juice after the short-lived Aaron Rodgers era. At just 26, Fields seemed like the type of reclamation project worth betting on, especially given the offensive firepower of Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall, and a much-improved offensive line.
But the last month has exposed the same demons that haunted Fields in Chicago. His decision-making has been erratic in training camp, his accuracy issues remain unsolved, and he has looked tentative when forced to play within structure during preseason action. While he’s flashed highlight runs and a few spectacular throws downfield, the lack of consistency has caused both fans and the Jets’ coaching staff to lose confidence that he can pilot a deep playoff run in 2025.
In short, the Jets face a familiar problem: too much roster talent to waste with an underdeveloped quarterback. That’s why the team must pivot quickly.
Kirk Cousins, now with the Atlanta Falcons, suddenly finds himself in a complicated situation. Signed last offseason to a significant contract, Cousins appeared to be Atlanta’s immediate answer post-Desmond Ridder. But the Falcons pivoted in stunning fashion during the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting Washington quarterback Michael Penix in the first round. That decision immediately cast Cousins as a bridge rather than a savior, and while he is still a capable starter, the Falcons are clearly building their future around Penix after they benched Cousins last year making him the backup in 2025.
Given Atlanta’s timeline, Cousins is expendable. And that’s where the Jets come in.
The 36-year-old quarterback remains one of the league’s most efficient pocket passers when healthy. Prior to his Achilles injury in 2023, Cousins was on pace for a career year in Minnesota, and even last season with Atlanta, he proved reliable when protected. He doesn’t have Fields’ mobility, but what he brings is clarity—command of an offense, pre-snap diagnosis, and the ability to deliver accurate throws in rhythm.
For a Jets roster boasting a top-10 defense and a supporting cast of skill players ready to compete, Cousins is the type of stopgap who could stabilize the offense immediately and put New York...
