Stephen A. Smith blasts idea of Kirk Cousins going to the New York Jets

Stephen A. Smith has no problem expressing his opinions on topical issues in sports, even at the expense of lashing out at his colleagues. The idea of Kirk Cousins joining the New York Jets was no different, as Smith lashed out at ESPN cohort Mike Tannenbaum for even suggesting it.

"Kirk Cousins on that turf in East Rutherford, New Jersey? Have you lost your mind? Kirk Cousins in New York, in that market? Are you insane? You can’t bring Kirk — listen, first of all, the New York market alone, you don’t want Kirk Cousins in there. No, no, no, no," Smith said on "First Take."

"I mean, he barely — listen, you saw what happened with him in Atlanta. You saw what happened to him when he got benched. I mean, you remember when he used to — you like that? You like that? He ain’t said that in a long time… He ain’t said that in a long time because he hasn’t had a reason to. OK, let’s get that out the way. You want to hear about Kirk Cousins in New York City, the media capital of the world, with some of the mistakes that he’s made and the injury issues that he’s had as well? Oh no, you don’t want that.”

An expensive O-line needs a long-term answer

The Jets have spent a considerable amount of money on their offensive line and added young playmakers. Putting an aging quarterback behind that line just doesn't make sense. Cousins’ recent track record, including being benched in Atlanta and the continued injuries, does not bode well for him. The Jets allowed 60 sacks last season, one of the highest totals in the league. 

Even when Aaron Rodgers was healthy and with the Jets, he rarely had time to get comfortable. Pressure showed up fast and didn’t let up. ESPN’s pass-block win rate numbers had New York ranked 26th in the league last season, so an older quarterback would fight an uphill battle from the start. Cousins has historically performed well when he is under pressure, but his efficiency dips sharply when being rushed. 

If the protection issue remains in New York, adding another veteran quarterback may simply recreate the same problems the Jets faced last season.

The Jets have invested in their offensive line, and if anything, it appears on paper that it will be the strength of their roster. However, investments do not always equal results. Until that offensive line can prove it can deliver results, bringing in another veteran quarterback just puts him in the same situation.

The Jets cannot afford another miss

Aside from that, Smith made it very clear that the New York market is not the place to reinvent oneself. The Jets have not been able to secure the quarterback spot right for many years now. The last long-term quarterback was Mark Sanchez, and he only lasted four years in New York. From there, it has been one reset after another. And every time it feels like it is finally going to stabilize, something falls apart. 

Bringing in Cousins may not magically fix that. It would just be another attempt to steady something that has not been steady in years.

Maybe Kirk Cousins isn't that bad of an option after all?

There is also a practical argument in favor of adding Cousins. The upcoming quarterback draft class is widely viewed as underwhelming, while 2027 is projected to be stronger. With three first-round picks in 2027, the Jets could treat this as a bridge year. Cousins would not be the future, but he could provide some stability while the organization resets its timeline. 

One thing Smith may have not taken into considerations was Tannenbaum's history with the Jets. Tannenbaum previously served as the Jets general manager in the early 2000s, giving him firsthand knowledge of the organization’s long-running quarterback instability.