Jets Insider Completely Shuts Down Kirk Cousins Idea

New York Jets reportedly have no interest in veteran QB Kirk Cousins

Mar. 17, 2026 at 12:55am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The New York Jets recently acquired quarterback Geno Smith from the Las Vegas Raiders, and SNY's Connor Hughes has stated that the team has no interest in signing veteran QB Kirk Cousins, who has been linked to the Jets numerous times in the past. Hughes reported that Cousins "doesn't want to play for the Jets. He never has." With Smith now on the roster, the Jets are more likely to re-sign Tyrod Taylor as the backup quarterback rather than pursue the 37-year-old Cousins.

Why it matters

The Jets' quarterback situation has been a topic of much discussion this offseason, with the team making a move to acquire Geno Smith. Shutting down the idea of signing Kirk Cousins, who has been connected to the Jets before, signals that the team is comfortable with Smith as their starter and Taylor as the backup, rather than pursuing another veteran option.

The details

The Jets traded Justin Fields to the Kansas City Chiefs, leaving them in need of a backup quarterback. While there are still options available, SNY's Connor Hughes reported that the team has no interest in signing veteran QB Kirk Cousins. Cousins had a solid 2025 season with the Atlanta Falcons, going 5-3 as the starter and throwing for 1,721 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. However, at 37 years old, the Jets are likely to focus on re-signing Tyrod Taylor as the backup behind Geno Smith rather than pursuing Cousins.

  • On March 10, 2026, SNY's Connor Hughes reported that the Jets have no interest in signing Kirk Cousins.

The players

Geno Smith

The quarterback the Jets acquired from the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason to be their new starter.

Tyrod Taylor

The veteran quarterback who the Jets are likely to re-sign as the backup behind Geno Smith.

Kirk Cousins

The 37-year-old quarterback who has been linked to the Jets in the past, but reportedly has no interest in playing for the team.

Justin Fields

The quarterback the Jets traded to the Kansas City Chiefs, leaving them in need of a backup QB.

Connor Hughes

The SNY reporter who stated that the Jets have no interest in signing Kirk Cousins.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He doesn't want to play for the Jets. He never has.”

— Connor Hughes, SNY reporter

What’s next

The Jets will likely focus on re-signing Tyrod Taylor as the backup quarterback behind Geno Smith, rather than pursuing the veteran Kirk Cousins.

The takeaway

The Jets' decision to shut down the idea of signing Kirk Cousins signals that they are comfortable with their current quarterback situation, with Geno Smith as the starter and Tyrod Taylor as the likely backup. This move suggests the team is ready to move forward with their current roster rather than pursuing another veteran option at the position.