The New York Jets and Minnesota Vikings will both be in the market for a quarterback in 2026.
In New York, the Jets are looking for their next starter, and the hope was that starter would come with the No. 2 pick in the 2026 NFL draft, although the chances of that happening took a major hit after Dante Moore decided to stay at Oregon.
The Vikings have J.J. McCarthy slated to start in 2026, but they need a veteran behind him as an insurance policy with Carson Wentz set to be a free agent.
One quarterback both teams could target is Atlanta Falcons signal-caller Kirk Cousins. Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox believes the Vikings are the best potential landing spot for Cousins, while the Jets are the worst.
"The Vikings, though, would actually provide a better landing spot for Cousins, assuming they don't trust J.J. McCarthy, who struggled through injuries in 2025. Minnesota has an excellent receiving corps, and Cousins had his last Pro Bowl campaign under Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell," Knox said.
"The Jets have a lackluster offensive supporting cast and aren't built to compete in the AFC East in the near future. Cousins, who is a 37-year-old pure pocket passer, should be seeking a strong skill group and a chance to get back to the postseason right away," Knox said of Cousins to the Jets.
Cousins figures to be available this offseason, either by trade or free agency so it's logical to assume he'll be playing elsewhere in 2026.
We agree with both sentiments from Knox.
While the Jets offer a clearer path to a starting job than the Vikings, they also have a bad history with quarterbacks. Adding to that, the supporting cast in New York will not help Cousins buck that trend.
In Minnesota, Cousins is already familiar with the offense of head coach Kevin O'Connell from his stint with the Vikings, and he has had success in it.
The Vikings also have a pair of wide receivers in Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison who will make life easier for the veteran quarterback.
While the path to a starting job is blocked by McCarthy, there is a chance the young signal-caller will falter in 2026, setting the stage for Cousins to return to his starting role in Minnesota once again.
We would definitely consider the Vikings as a possible landing spot for Cousins in 2026, but there's just no way we can see Cousins going to the Jets.
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