Former NFL executive makes bold claim about four-time Pro Bowler

One of the biggest stories from Super Bowl 60 was the career resurgence of Sam Darnold. After bouncing around the league and being on his fifth team, Darnold led the Seattle Seahawks to a championship, rewriting a narrative that labeled him a disappointment as the third pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Now, which quarterback can have an identical arc with another organization? According to one ESPN analyst, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins could be poised to have that impact with the New York Jets. 

Former NFL executive and ESPN analyst Mike Tannenbaum suggested that 38-year-old Kirk Cousins could thrive on the Jets on ESPN's "First Take."

"I think it's Kirk Cousins, I think he's somebody even at 38 years old after another year off of an Achilles injury and believe it or not, the place I think would make a lot of sense is the New York Jets," Tannenbaum said. 

Can Cousins get Jets back to the playoffs?

Since having drafted Darnold in 2018, the Jets have cycled through a revolving door at quarterback. Over the past eight seasons, New York's fortune under center hasn't been steady. From veterans like Joe Flacco and Aaron Rodgers to developmental acts like Justin Fields, nothing has translated to a playoff appearance since 2010.

Tannenbaum highlighted the strengths of the Jets offense, including a talented offensive line and skill position players. With weapons like halfback Breece Hall, wide receiver Garrett Wilson, and tight end Mason Taylor, Cousins would have ample support to succeed, Tannenbaum explained.

"That's a really solid group of young skill players. So, I know I'm protected, I have a veteran play caller in Frank Reich. I'm not saying I'm going to the Super Bowl with Kirk Cousins, but he can be productive for the Jets and resurrect his career," Tannenbaum said.

The Jets have a solid foundation offensively, but can Cousins thrive after his underwhelming tenure in Atlanta?

Cousins suffered an ACL tear during his final campaign with Minnesota in 2023. Cousins then signed a four-year, $180 million dollar contract with the Falcons and hasn't lived up to the contract. Cousins was benched after a 1-4 start during the 2024 season. It was reported that Atlanta is set to cut Cousins before the new league year on March 13. 

In 2025, Cousins appeared in 10 games for Atlanta and led them to a 5-3 record. Cousins passed for 1,721 yards, 10 touchdowns and 5 interceptions while having completed 61.7% of his passes. Cousins showed flashes of his former self in a Week 15 victory against the Buccaneers where he threw for 373 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions. 

It's unlikely Cousins could lead the Jets to a championship like Darnold did for Seattle, but the opportunity to prove he can be an asset in the NFL is meaningful at this stage of his career.