Kirk Cousins should hope to follow blueprint set by Rams QB Matthew Stafford

With Kirk Cousins about to become a free agent, there's chatter about which team makes sense for him if he leaves the Minnesota Vikings. 

Cousins has been connected to the Atlanta Falcons. Some believe the Pittsburgh Steelers are a possibility for the 35-year-old quarterback. There are also reports he could re-sign with Minnesota.

As the four-time Pro Bowler contemplates his next move, it's possible his decision could change his legacy. Cousins should use the career of Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford as a blueprint.

After spending 12 mostly lost seasons in Detroit, where he had a 74-90-1 regular-season record, Stafford was traded in 2021 to Los Angeles, where he led a talented Rams team to a Super Bowl title in his first season. In the blink of an eye, questions about whether Stafford could win big in the NFL were answered.

Unlike Stafford, Cousins changed teams early in his career. After six seasons in Washington, he signed as a free agent with Minnesota in 2017. Since joining the Vikings, however, Cousins has only three winning seasons, has only two seasons with double-digit wins and one playoff win. 

Minnesota appears much closer to needing a full rebuild than to contending, so for Cousins to prove himself the way that Stafford did, he probably needs a new home. Whether Cousins can find a team ready to win like the Rams is separate question, but there's reason to believe he has the ability to get the job done if healthy and in the right situation.

"I think God had blessed me financially beyond my wildest dreams. so at this stage in my career, the dollars are really not what it's about," said Cousins after the Vikings wrapped up their disappointing 7-10 season in January. This comment comes off as a player who knows his immortality as an athlete is on the horizon and may pick the best overall situation over the money. 

In 12 NFL seasons, Cousins has thrown for 39,471 yards and 270 touchdowns. Before his 2023 season, which ended after eight games because of an Achilles injury, Cousins threw for more than 4,000 yards in each of the three previous seasons with the Vikings. He has topped a 100 passer rating in four of his six seasons in Minnesota. 

The knock on Cousins centers on his record – he's 76-67-2 during the regular season as a starter. So, like Stafford, the best way for him to change his career narrative is with a change of scenery.