Who Should I Start? Kirk Cousins or Trevor Lawrence

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.

Sunday, January 4, 6:00 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence completed 22 of his 30 pass attempts for 255 passing yards, three passing touchdowns, and zero interceptions during Sunday's Week 18 win over the Tennessee Titans. He also rushed for 11 yards and took two sacks. Lawrence put together another terrific outing as the Jaguars cruised to victory, clinching the AFC South title. The former No. 1 pick was pulled from the game early in the fourth quarter so that he could stay healthy for the playoffs, and he handed the reins of the offense to Nick Mullens. Lawrence has been spectacular all season long, especially over the last six weeks. Through his final six regular-season games, he amassed 1,600 passing yards, 15 passing touchdowns, 149 rushing yards, four rushing touchdowns, and just one turnover. He's firmly in the mix to be a top-five quarterback in 2026 fantasy drafts.