Kirk Cousins' rough stretch for the Falcons could cost him his place as the starter in Atlanta next season.
Reports have suggested this final stretch will determine what the Falcons do with their high-priced quarterback during the offseason. Well, I think we can all agree that without a resurgent final five games, the front office will look to trade him following the Super Bowl.
Let's look at four teams that will assert themselves as the best landing spots for the veteran quarterback—plus a dark horse that could shock the NFL.
1. Indianapolis Colts may look to land another Falcons veteran quarterback
We all know how the Matt Ryan trade went for the Indianapolis Colts. Would they be willing to take another chance on another veteran quarterback out of Atlanta?
The Colts have struggled to find a good quarterback since Andrew Luck retired. Cousins would flourish in Shane Steichen's established offense. He could also help develop Anthony Richardson if the franchise wants to stick with him.
2. New York Giants' quarterback disasters could end with Kirk Cousins
The New York Giants coaching staff and front office is to be determined. They will likely clear house following another disastrous season.
Knowing the intentions of how this team will approach the quarterback position is impossible. We have to wait to see who they hire. However, fixing the quarterback position has to be done and Kirk Cousins could do just that.
Pursuing a veteran quarterback with the state of the roster might not be the most wise thing to do but considering how handcuffed they were after the Daniel Jones pick, perhaps adding a short-term solution isn't the worst idea.
They could also take the same route the Falcons did by bringing in Cousins and drafting a top quarterback.
3. Tennessee Titans can take advantage of solid roster with Kirk Cousins at quarterback
The Tennessee Titans are suffering more from poor quarterback play than anyone. They have a solid roster, especially on defense, but Will Levis' mistakes have disheartened everyone.
Brian Callahan is not a fan of Will Levis. He has been highly critical of the struggling quarterback and will undoubtedly look for an immediate fix going into his second year as head coach.
Kirk Cousins can get the most out of offensive threats like Calvin Ridley, Tony Pollard, and Chig Okonkwo.
Then you have to consider that a more productive offense will result in a more productive defense. Those two things can mesh into a team competing for an AFC South title.
4. Las Vegas Raiders' desperation make them the most logical Kirk Cousins landing spot
Mark Davis is tired of the ineptitude of his team. The Raiders have yet to do anything for the city of Las Vegas meaning a massive move could be coming for the quarterback-less team.
Kirk Cousins will be one of the biggest names to be had. He has proven he can win and produce, even if things haven't been pretty with the Falcons recently. Kirk Cousins feels like a player the Raiders would pursue.
This is a team that wants to compete during Maxx Crosby and Brock Bowers' prime. They are also tired of being the joke of the strong AFC West. Waiting for a rookie quarterback to develop would test the patience of ownership so watch for them to take a chance on someone like Cousins.
5. Watch out for San Francisco 49ers in potential Kirk Cousins sweepstakes
The San Francisco 49ers should not be counted out if Kirk Cousins becomes available.
Before Cousins signed with the Vikings everyone thought he would be the newest quarterback in San Francisco. Kyle Shanahan loves the quarterback and while dynamics are different now, don't overlook that.
Brock Purdy is due for a payday but let's say their disappointing season has given Shanahan doubt. If the head coach isn't 100% sold on handing a massive contract to Purdy then the next move would be landing a short-term starter like Cousins.
The veteran quarterback would land them right back in the postseason conversation next year.