Years ago, the New York Jets fanbase seriously entertained the idea of acquiring Kirk Cousins, especially in the lead-up to the 2018 NFL Draft. At that point, the Jets faced a critical decision for their quarterback future: either draft a rookie at the No. 6 overall pick or sign the experienced free agent Cousins. Ultimately, the team traded up to No. 3 with the Indianapolis Colts and selected USC’s Sam Darnold, setting a different path for the franchise’s quarterback position.

General Manager Mikey Mac gave up three second-round picks—one yielding future star Quenton Nelson—to ensure the top draft spot needed to secure Darnold. Although other notable quarterbacks like Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson were selected later that round, the Jets chose to place their faith in Darnold instead of pursuing Cousins through free agency. Had Cousins signed with the Jets, the landscape of the team’s quarterback position would have looked entirely different. However, Cousins declined their offer, reportedly leveraging the Jets’ interest to negotiate a better deal with the Minnesota Vikings instead.

Renewed Rumors of Cousins Joining the Jets

Lately, speculation surrounding a Kirk Cousins potential trade to New York Jets has resurfaced, sparked by an early predictions article from Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon concerning the 2025 NFL trade deadline. Gagnon placed the Jets acquiring Cousins as his initial projected trade, citing conditions like Michael Penix Jr. emerging as the starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, thus making Cousins available. The Jets could leverage their significant salary cap space and the possibility of moving on from Justin Fields as early as November, according to Gagnon.

“If by midseason, sophomore Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has established himself as the clear-cut guy under center there, the team could more comfortably field offers for Kirk Cousins,” Gagnon wrote.
“Since it’s impossible to speculate on injuries, though, let’s instead throw out a Jets team that has a considerable amount of salary-cap space and could well give up on Justin Fields by November.” —Brad Gagnon, NFL Insider

Fields’ status in New York remains uncertain despite a $30 million guaranteed contract, leading to the possibility the Jets might revisit their quarterback options midseason. Yet, those closer ties many expect between Cousins and the Jets do not fully exist. Cousins’ direct connection to the organization stems primarily from senior football advisor Rick Spielman, who previously worked with Cousins in Minnesota.

“The Jets also employ senior football advisor Rick Spielman, who is connected to Cousins from their shared time in Minnesota,” Gagnon added.
“If the increasingly desperate Jets are competitive in spite of Fields at that stage, dealing for an established veteran from the NFC could make some sense.” —Brad Gagnon, NFL Insider

Why Cousins’ Style Clashes with the Jets’ Offensive Philosophy

Despite the speculation, one major obstacle thwarts any Kirk Cousins-New York Jets marriage: scheme incompatibility. The Jets’ offensive system under coordinator Tanner Engstrand demands dynamic, mobile quarterbacks who can execute designed runs and effectively manage quarterback run-pass options (RPOs). Current Jets quarterbacks like Justin Fields, Adrian Martinez, Brady Cook, and even backup Tyrod Taylor fit this profile well through their athleticism and ability to extend plays on the ground.

Kirk Cousins, however, is distinctly less mobile and known more for pocket passing. His running ability doesn’t align with the Jets’ fast-paced, rushing-oriented offense aimed at pushing the boundaries of quarterback-designed rushing plays. More importantly, asking an offense midseason to shift its entire identity from a mobile, versatile attack to accommodate a pocket passer like Cousins is a daunting and impractical task.

This offensive clash is highlighted in how Justin Fields handles pressure and designed runs, which has become a signature of the Jets’ scheme:

Take note of how Justin Fields handles this messy crack situation behind the play-side pull. Third and 2, so he does not mess around by allowing the tackle to lead the way. Again, for Jets fans, get used to QB-designed runs like this; they’re coming. —Robby Sabo, Offensive Analyst

Fields’ agility and rushing prowess perfectly fit Aaron Glenn’s vision for the team’s offense. Introducing Cousins into this system, especially when Fields struggles or when other mobile quarterbacks are sidelined, would force a radical scheme overhaul that isn’t feasible during an ongoing campaign. The pressurized nature of NFL seasons means coaches cannot risk demolishing their offensive identity midyear to accommodate an aging quarterback prototype.

Financial and Contractual Barriers to a Cousins Trade

Beyond scheme concerns, salary cap constraints present a significant hurdle for the Jets as they consider a Cousins trade. Cousins is 37 years old and carries a heavy contract with $57.5 million cap hits in the final two years, making such a move financially risky for a team aiming to balance growth and competitiveness.

Moreover, attempts to retrofit the offense around Cousins would likely consume valuable resources and limit future flexibility. The Jets already invested heavily in Justin Fields, and moving forward with a veteran quarterback who demands a sizable financial commitment contradicts the team’s current developmental trajectory and offensive philosophy.

Rushing attacks and quarterback mobility form the core of Glenn’s strategy, encouraging plays that foster quarterback escapes and dynamic runs—qualities Cousins does not possess. As Robby Sabo noted:

This play is perfect for showing just how special Justin Fields is when feeling the rush in a “take-off” situation, yet it’s also perfect in highlighting where he needs to improve. Regardless, it’s yet another example of why New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn badly wanted him. —Robby Sabo, Offensive Analyst

Ultimately, Why a Cousins Trade Is Unlikely Despite the Buzz

While the idea of Kirk Cousins joining the Jets emerges periodically, the reality is that a trade is improbable given the entrenched design of the Jets’ offense and the hefty financial commitment Cousins entails. The team’s mindset is rooted in a quarterback-driven rushing evolution led by Fields and supported by a scheme built around mobility and playmaking ability.

Switching to a traditional pocket passer like Cousins midstream would not only set the offense back but also challenge the coherence the Jets have developed under new leadership. Significantly, it would take a full offseason just to attempt such an adjustment—not a practical plan during a competitive season.

Furthermore, Aaron Glenn’s decision to select Justin Fields reflects a long-term vision that prioritizes a versatile and athletic quarterback. Despite the temptation to bring in a seasoned veteran, the Jets must wrestle with the difficult choice between short-term fixes and sustained growth. The importance of maintaining the offensive identity and controlling salary cap flexibility outweighs the allure of acquiring Cousins at this stage.

In conclusion, although the talk of Kirk Cousins potential trade to New York Jets generates widespread interest, real barriers in scheme fit and cap space make the move nearly impossible. The Jets will likely continue to invest in their existing quarterback roster and offensive plans, pushing forward with a faster, more mobile style that has defined their direction under Aaron Glenn’s guidance.