The New England Patriots reigned supreme over the AFC East last season, beating out the Bills and ending their half-decade hold on the division. The East's other two squads, the Dolphins and Jets, are not as fortunate as the Patriots and Bills to have their quarterback situated for the foreseeable future.
Several veteran quarterbacks will be available this offseason, and that's a well both squads seem likely to go to, given the draft class is weak at the position aside from IU's Fernando Mendoza.
In a recent article by Bleacher Report's Brad Gagnon, one veteran who's been suggested as a potential fit with an AFC East squad is Kirk Cousins.
Cousins saw action in ten games this season, finishing with upwards of 1,700 yards, 11 total touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. He began 1-4 as a starter, but finished the season 4-0, taking down the L.A. Rams in the penultimate game of the year.
While he's certainly more of a game manager at this point in his career, the Jets and Dolphins may not be looking for much more as they continue their respective rebuilds.
Kirk Cousins could find his way to the AFC East during the 2026 offseason
It should go without saying that Cousins isn't a long-term starter at this point in his career. Turning 38 in August, he likely has one more team in him before he calls it quits.
Both the Jets and the Dolphins are in a transition stage. The Jets traded two of their best players midseason and now have a war chest of draft picks. The Dolphins are further along in their rebuilding process, but they've taken clear steps to improve their situation by releasing Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb.
Cousins would be a better option for both teams than their current starters. For the Jets, their 2025 trio of Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor, and Brady Cook didn't inspire confidence. The Dolphins benched Tua Tagovailoa in favor of Quinn Ewers, and while the former Texas Longhorn showed some promise, it seems unlikely his future in the NFL is anything more than a backup.
Each team could be in the QB market come the draft. As mentioned, neither team will be in range for Mendoza, but perhaps one of them falls in love with Alabama's Ty Simpson? Perhaps Cousins could act as a bridge for a year or until they feel Simpson is worthy of being the starter?
Athletic mid-round prospects like NDSU's Cole Payton or Arkansas' Taylen Green could also be options if either squad signs Cousins.
If Cousins were to be brought in by either squad, the Patriots should be wary that the QB will likely be slightly better in the AFC East, despite the low standards set by each team in 2025. Nonetheless, his age and the questionable supporting casts around him wouldn't warrant much fear.
While he'd be a solid bridge option, Cousins isn't likely to help either team compete for the division.