Who Should I Start? Kirk Cousins or Teddy Bridgewater

Tuesday, January 6, 12:56 PM

The Atlanta Falcons and quarterback Kirk Cousins agreed to tweak the final two years of the QB's contract on Tuesday, setting the stage for a decision on his future to be made by the third day of the new league year on March 13, a source told ESPN's Field Yates. Cousins now has a guarantee for $67.9 million for the 2027 season that will vest on March 13. The restructure also includes reducing Cousins' 2026 base salary from a non-guaranteed $35 million to just $2.1 million. Atlanta's front office is in flux following the firing of general manager Terry Fontenot on Sunday, but the Falcons could still move on from Cousins before March 13 as a post-June 1 release. A release of that kind would split the dead money on Cousins' contract over 2026 and 2027, as opposed to the team taking on the full amount in 2026. The 37-year-old played in 10 games this season, including starting the final seven following Michael Penix Jr.'s season-ending knee injury. Cousins was serviceable, throwing 10 TDs and five interceptions, but he probably isn't in the team's long-term plans at the position.

Monday, January 5, 7:08 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who will be a free agent in March, said he wants to continue playing but hasn't talked to the team about a potential return, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports. Bridgewater only appeared in four games (zero starts) in his first year with Tampa in 2025, going 8-for-15 passing for 62 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. The 33-year-old veteran would be backing up Baker Mayfield again if he re-signs with the team for the 2026 season. Bridgewater isn't a terrible backup option for teams looking for QB depth this offseason, but he probably isn't going to get any realistic looks to compete for a starting gig. The 11-year pro will be a long shot for any fantasy value if he comes back next season. Bridgewater hasn't started a game in the NFL since 2022 with the Miami Dolphins.