With each passing minute, the quarterback market keeps getting thinner and thinner, and that is terrible news for the New York Giants.
Before free agency opened, the Giants were in the mix for Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. The Rams told Stafford to gauge the market and come back with an offer, but even the perfect deal from Big Blue couldn’t convince the Super Bowl champ to leave Los Angeles. That put general manager Joe Schoen in full-on scramble mode.
Since then, the Giants have seemingly been linked to every quarterback with a pulse. Justin Fields? Off the table. Sam Darnold? Gone. The Steelers, who are also desperate for a quarterback, have just as much interest in Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson as the Giants do. And now, a new update makes one potential target even less likely: Kirk Cousins.
It looks like the Falcons are planning on keeping Kirk Cousins
Many assumed that Cousins would become available this offseason. The Atlanta Falcons just spent last year's eighth overall pick on Michael Penix Jr., and carrying a $40 million backup quarterback doesn’t seem like the most logical plan. But according to Charles Robinson, Atlanta isn’t budging—for now.
“I thought the Falcons were bluffing about keeping Kirk Cousins. I don’t think that anymore. They’re going to roll right through the Sunday deadline to lock in another $10 million in 2026 guaranteed salary and see where this goes. Either he’s a pricey backup or a trade candidate.”
The Falcons could still trade Cousins down the line, but for now, they’re holding firm. That leaves the Giants stuck waiting, watching yet another potential quarterback option evaporate before their eyes.
The Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers have also shown interest in Cousins, further clouding the market. Cleveland has been linked to him for weeks, with reports suggesting they see him as their top target. Pittsburgh, meanwhile, is trying to avoid bringing back Russell Wilson and could pivot to Cousins if Rodgers lands in New York.
If Cousins does become available, there could be a bidding war—and that’s the last thing the Giants need. The QB options are dwindling, and unless Schoen pulls off something unexpected, Big Blue could be forced to overpay for a less-than-ideal option.