Packers Sign Kirk Cousins as Backup QB

Former Falcons starter lands in Green Bay to back up Jordan Love

Mar. 17, 2026 at 2:06pm

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After being released by the Atlanta Falcons, veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins has signed with the Green Bay Packers to serve as the backup to starting QB Jordan Love. Cousins struggled during his lone season as the Falcons' starter in 2024 but finished the 2025 season strongly after taking over for the injured Michael Penix Jr. However, the Falcons decided to move in a different direction at quarterback, leading to Cousins' release. The Packers see Cousins as an experienced and reliable option to provide depth behind the oft-injured Love.

Why it matters

The Packers have been searching for a reliable backup quarterback after losing Malik Willis to the Dolphins in free agency. Jordan Love has missed multiple games in each of the past two seasons due to various injuries, so the team wanted to bring in a veteran QB who can step in if needed. Cousins' experience and steady play make him an ideal fit to serve as Love's understudy in Green Bay.

The details

After being released by the Falcons, Cousins signed a two-year, $18 million contract with the Packers. He will serve as the primary backup to Jordan Love, who has dealt with several injuries over the past two seasons, including concussions, thumb, elbow, groin, shoulder, and MCL issues. The Packers hope Cousins' veteran presence and steady play can provide insurance in case Love misses time again in 2026.

  • Cousins was released by the Falcons on March 13, 2026.
  • Cousins signed with the Packers on March 17, 2026.

The players

Kirk Cousins

A veteran NFL quarterback who spent the 2024 and 2025 seasons as the starting QB for the Atlanta Falcons.

Jordan Love

The Packers' starting quarterback who has missed multiple games in each of the past two seasons due to various injuries.

Malik Willis

The Packers' former backup quarterback who signed a three-year, $67.5 million deal with the Miami Dolphins this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“The Packers need a backup quarterback after losing Malik Willis to the Dolphins in free agency. They run play-action at one of the highest rates in the league under Matt LaFleur. Jordan Love has missed two games to injury in each of the past two years, so the Packers have to be conscious of their need to have a backup they trust if Love can't go.”

— Bill Barnwell, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)

What’s next

Cousins will compete with any other quarterbacks the Packers bring in to be Jordan Love's primary backup during training camp and the preseason.

The takeaway

By signing the veteran Cousins, the Packers have added an experienced and reliable backup quarterback to their roster, providing insurance in case the oft-injured Jordan Love misses time again in 2026. This move gives the Packers more depth and stability at the quarterback position.