Aaron Rodgers and Kirk Cousins are no longer part of the NFC North lexicon, but they could soon re-enter our space because of one particular team’s quarterback needs.
At this time next month, we will be in the middle of the “legal tampering” period of the NFL offseason that comes before players and teams can make new deals officially official. And while the Chicago Bears aren’t in the hunt for a quarterback, a handful of teams will be — including one of their NFC North rivals.
While discussing quarterback situations revolving around potential trade candidates such as Tua Tagovailoa and Kyler Murray, ESPN’s Adam Schefter mentions the Minnesota Vikings as being among the handful of teams that are expected to be in the market for a new quarterback. In addition to the Vikings, Cardinals, and Dolphins, the collection of teams mentioned by the ESPN NFL insider that could kick the tires on a new quarterback include the New York Jets, Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns, and Pittsburgh Steelers. Fans of those teams better strap in for what could be a turbulent offseason.
For what it’s worth, the Jets, Falcons, Vikings, and Dolphins are all on the Bears’ schedule next year. So while I’m always going to keep tabs on the league-wide quarterback movement, I plan on monitoring what happens with teams on Chicago’s 2026 schedule. So with that in mind, let’s discuss the latest.
Aaron Rodgers, Kirk Cousins, and an already spinning QB carousel
AARON RODGERS
Death, taxes, and Aaron Rodgers hijacking the offseason quarterback transaction discourse. Those are life’s guarantees.
Rodgers, who famously ducked the Bears while citing an injury when the two teams squared off at Soldier Field in November 2025, sounds like he is well on his way to playing another season. If he does, it will be his 22nd as a pro. On the one hand, that is remarkable to play that much professional football. But on the other hand, I’m tired of Rodgers being around. Can’t he just ride off into the sunset and leave us alone forever?
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn ImagesIf Aaron Rodgers returns for yet another season, there seems to be a real chance that he could play a second season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. And if that is how the cookie crumbles, it will be a reunion with former head coach Mike McCarthy. NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero, and Mike Garafolo report that McCarthy and Rodgers have spoken several times about a possible reunion in Pittsburgh.
“My understanding is, the odds are increasing,” said Pelissero of the chances of Rodgers playing in 2026.
The Steelers aren’t on the Bears schedule next year, so I’m glad that the Aaron Rodgers-Mike McCarthy reunion storyline is one we will successfully avoid this year.
KIRK COUSINS
The Ian Cunningham effect will soon take place in Atlanta. And, for all intents and purposes, it begins with a possible changing of the guard at the quarterback position. There is an expectation that the Falcons will release Cousins before the start of the new league year in March. After restructuring Cousins’ contract, parting ways with the four-time Pro Bowl quarterback will be easier than previously thought. Once the parting of ways becomes officially official, then Cousins’ representation can work on finding him a soft landing spot for next season.
For what it’s worth, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Cousins could turn to television if he doesn’t find a place to play in 2026. Over at CBS Sports, Tyler Sullivan indicates the Steelers, Vikings, Dolphins, Jets, and 49ers as possible spots for Cousins to emerge when next season kicks off. Pittsburgh, Minnesota, Miami, and New York figure to be in the hunt for a starter. Meanwhile, San Francisco might make sense if Cousins is willing to accept a backup role. Mac Jones currently fills that job for the Niners, but San Fran could conceivably trade him this offseason to one of those QB-starved teams.
(Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)DEREK CARR
Aaron Rodgers and Kirk Cousins aren’t the only veteran quarterbacks who could find a new football home this offseason. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reports teams have checked in on Derek Carr, who retired last offseason because of health issues. Even though rehabilitating a balky shoulder injury put him out of action in 2025, Carr has not ruled out a return for 2026. And that Rapoport reports that Carr is no longer dealing with shoulder issues, he could make sense as a potential bridge candidate for a team looking for a QB upgrade. Carr coming back to play in the right situation is feasible. However, the Saints still own his rights. Maybe a trade could make sense here.
Hence then, the article about aaron rodgers kirk cousins and the already spinning 2026 nfl quarterback carousel was published today ( ) and is available on Bleacher Nation ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Aaron Rodgers, Kirk Cousins, and the Already Spinning 2026 NFL Quarterback Carousel )
Also on site :
- More than 30,000 Kaiser Permanente health care workers to end strike in California and Hawaii
- Council on AI Ethics Formed to Balance Innovation With Human Dignity
- Pallekele weather report for PAK vs ENG Super 8 tie & what happens if T20 World Cup match is washed out