Quarterback Movements: Willis and Cousins Take Center Stage at 2026 Combine
The 2026 NFL combine in Indianapolis has ignited significant discussion regarding upcoming quarterback movements, with particular focus on Malik Willis and Kirk Cousins.
Quarterback Availability
Recent announcements from several general managers have painted a clearer picture of the evolving quarterback landscape:
- Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham stated the team would release Kirk Cousins on March 11, the first day of the new league year.
- Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort indicated that trade possibilities for their starting quarterbacks, Tua Tagovailoa and Kyler Murray, are under consideration.
- Browns general manager Andrew Berry expressed a potential outcome involving Deshaun Watson competing with Shedeur Sanders, suggesting a lack of a solid starter at quarterback for the team.
These situations collectively position both Malik Willis and Kirk Cousins with significant leverage in the upcoming offseason market.
Potential Landing Spots for Malik Willis
Malik Willis, 26, is expected to find opportunities with teams in need of a quarterback. This includes the Browns, Dolphins, Cardinals, and Jets. The Steelers, Colts, and Raiders are also currently without starters under contract, though Aaron Rodgers, Daniel Jones, and rookie Fernando Mendoza are likely to secure those positions.
Arizona is considered a particularly attractive destination for Willis. This is due to general manager Monti Ossenfort's previous work in Tennessee, where Willis was drafted, and the presence of offensive-minded coach Mike LaFleur. Cleveland, however, faces significant financial challenges, with limited cap space due to Deshaun Watson's substantial contract.
Willis is projected to receive a $50 million deal over two years. This projection comes despite Willis having thrown only 89 passes in three starts over the past two years. During that time, he recorded six touchdowns, zero interceptions, and a 78.7% completion rate, resulting in a 2–1 record.
The current draft class lacks clear top-tier quarterback prospects, and the free-agent pool is short on elite talents. This scarcity increases the appeal of Willis's youth, athleticism, and untapped potential.
Potential Landing Spots for Kirk Cousins
Kirk Cousins, 37, is re-entering the market as a free agent. In 2024, Cousins was initially benched by the Falcons for rookie Michael Penix Jr. after starting 14 games and throwing 16 interceptions while recovering from a torn Achilles.
However, following Penix's ACL injury, Cousins returned to action and performed well. He passed for 1,721 yards and 10 touchdowns in eight starts (10 games), achieving a 5–3 record. His performance included a notable 373-yard, three-touchdown game in a 29–28 victory against the Buccaneers.
Cousins has accumulated 44,700 passing yards and 298 touchdowns over 14 seasons with Washington, Minnesota, and Atlanta, placing him among active quarterback leaders. While teams like the Jets and Dolphins might consider Cousins, the Minnesota Vikings are identified as a strong potential suitor.
The Vikings concluded a 9–8 season, leading to the firing of general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. Their starting quarterback, 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy, played in 10 games, completing 57.6% of his attempts with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
Bringing Cousins back could provide a veteran presence to compete with McCarthy, offering a safety net for coach Kevin O’Connell, who is seeking to avoid another postseason-less year.
Limited Offseason Options
This offseason presents a notably limited array of options for teams seeking quarterbacks, both through free agency and the draft. There isn't a superstar like Tom Brady or Peyton Manning available to reshape a franchise.
Consequently, Malik Willis and Kirk Cousins are positioned to be central figures in the upcoming free agency period, driving much of the discussion and movement in the quarterback market.