Many anticipatedKirk Cousinsand the Minnesota Vikings could reunite during NFL free agency. Instead, Minnesota has tapped a different veteran quarterback to serve as its challenger toJ.J. McCarthyin 2026.
TheVikings have agreed to a one-year, veteran minimum contract withKyler Murray.
While Minnesota will only foot a $1.3 million bill for the No. 1 overall pick from the 2019 NFL Draft, Murray will make a total of $36.8 million for the season. His former team – the Arizona Cardinals – will pay the remainder of the $35.5 million owed to him.
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Murray was one of the final quarterback dominoes to fall during NFL free agency.Geno Smith,Tua TagovailoaandMalik Willishave all landed with new teams during the offseason whileDaniel Jonesreturned to the Indianapolis Colts after a successful 2025 season with the team.
Cousins is now the top veteran signal-caller available on the market. The 37-year-old should be in demand for several teams looking for experience and a potential stopgap starter at the position.
Where could Cousins go after the Murray signing? Here's a look at his top landing spots as the NFL's quarterback carousel continues to spin.
Kirk Cousins landing spots
Las Vegas Raiders
Las Vegas is almost certainly going to select Indiana's Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. However,The Athletic's Dianna Russinireported the Raiders would prefer not to start the Heisman Trophy winner immediately and that the team could target a potential veteran in NFL free agency because of that.
Cousins has 167 career starts under his belt and would be an ideal mentor for Mendoza as he acclimates himself to the NFL.
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Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers are still waiting onAaron Rodgersto make a decision about his future. If the 42-year-old returns for another season, Cousins wouldn't be an option for Pittsburgh. But if Rodgers calls it quits, Mike McCarthy could consider targeting Cousins as a different veteran stopgap to steer the team.
The Steelers were exceedingly patient with Rodgers last offseason – he didn't officially sign until June – and may give him that grace again in 2026. With that in mind, Cousins may not be willing to wait around to see if Pittsburgh's job opens up.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns are another AFC North team that would be a sensible option for Cousins. Cleveland has a lot of resources tied up inDeshaun Watson,Shedeur SandersandDillon Gabriel, but Cousins has more experience than Sanders and Gabriel and has enjoyed far more sustained success than Watson.
That could be enough to convince new Browns coach Todd Monken to make his wide-open quarterback competition a three-way battle.
Cincinnati Bengals
If Cousins settles for a backup gig, he may have an interest in joining the Bengals.Joe Burrowhas missed a combined 16 games over the last three seasons andSean Clifford– who has never taken a regular-season NFL snap in his career – is currently his lone backup.
Cousins would provide the Bengals a steady hand behind Burrow in the event the No. 1 pick from the 2020 NFL Draft is banged up again. If he isn't granted an opportunity to compete for a starting job, he could relish a chance to play with a strong stable of weapons highlighted byJa'Marr ChaseandTee Higgins.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs are another team that could use a backup quarterback.Gardner Minshewleft the team in free agency whileChris Oladokun(4.3 yards per attempt in 2025) andJake Haener(46.2% career completion rate) represent an uninspiring duo behindPatrick Mahomes.
Cousins would provide the Chiefs with plenty of experience behind Mahomes. He would also give the team insurance in case Mahomes isn't ready for Week 1, as the two-time NFL MVP attempts to recover froma torn ACL he sufferedin Week 15 of the 2025 NFL season.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Best Kirk Cousins landing spots in NFL free agency after Kyler Murray deal