The Indianapolis Colts have made it clear that while Anthony Richardson will be their starting quarterback moving forward, they're also looking to find competition for his role as QB1. Last year, when Richardson was briefly benched, veteran quarterback Joe Flacco took over, but he is not seen as a viable candidate to compete with Richardson. Flacco not only didn't perform particularly well, but he's an older free agent who, it's assumed, will not be staying in Indianapolis.
There is a need at quarterback for someone who can be comfortable at QB2, but can also has the talent and ability to potentially take the job from Richardson if he doesn't show enough improvement. in 2025. There are some named already being suggested, like the Steelers' Justin Fields, but CBS Sports' Cody Benjamin has another suggestion: Kirk Cousins.
Like Richardson, Cousins was benched, although Richardson returned; Cousin's benching was permanent, and it is widely assumed that his time in Atlanta is over. There's a good chance that the Falcons could be looking to trade him, and because of his spotty performance in Atlanta, Benjamin assumed that he could be a bargain trade for teams in need of a quarterback - and the Colts should take notice.
"Benched for Michael Penix Jr. late in 2024, Cousins was meant to be the missing piece for a playoff contender in Atlanta, but he proved unusually streaky coming off a torn Achilles. Another year removed from the injury might help him rediscover his touch, but it's safe to wonder how much juice he has left in his arm. More steady than spectacular during a six-year run with the Minnesota Vikings, he's at least likely to come at a discount, given the Falcons will be absorbing a hefty price if/when they release him."Cody Benjamin
Along with the Colts, Benjamin suggested the Browns and the Jets as the best fit for Cousins. While he might do well in Cleveland or New York, Cousins is simply not the kind of quarterback the Colts need.
At 37, Cousins isn't much younger than Flacco, and putting another aging veteran at QB1 just kicks the can further down the road. The Colts are in desperate need of a franchise quarterback who can lead this team for more than just a year or two, and they need one who can be a reliable playmaker. Cousins is, essentially, an older version of Richardson himself, as far as the Colts are concerned. He can be a solid player, but he has some accuracy issues, particularly in high-pressure situations, and he isn't going to be able to pull off the explosive plays head coach Shane Steichen likes to call. On top of all that, Cousins is dealing with some injury problems which suggest he not only has trouble staying healthy, but he might hide his injuries from the team when he does get hurt - even if it costs them games.
Kirk Cousins might be a good fit for another team, but for the Colts, he just doesn't make a lot of sense.