New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) looks on before an NFL football matchup Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]

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‘He’s got a lot of great football left in him’: Aaron Rodgers weighs in on the Kirk Cousins situation

Aaron Rodgers' bold take on Kirk Cousins

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) looks on before an NFL football matchup Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]

Aaron Rodgers isn’t one to stay silent, especially when it comes to weighing in on the NFL’s biggest storylines. After Kirk Cousins’s rocky return from an Achilles injury and his benching by the Atlanta Falcons, Rodgers had a clear message: don’t write him off yet. Speaking about Cousins’s potential to bounce back, Rodgers shared insights that hit close to home, given his own journey recovering from the same injury.

What did Aaron Rodgers say about Kirk Cousins?

Rodgers, when asked about Cousins, kept it straightforward. “He’s got a lot of great football left in him,” Rodgers said during a conversation with reporters. He pointed to Cousins being further along in his recovery next season as a key factor, suggesting his performance should improve with time.

Aaron Rodgers said he thinks Kirk Cousins will be better next year since he’ll be further away from his Achilles injury and feels he has a lot of good years left in him.

Rodgers, asked if he’ll be better next year too for the same reason: “It’s possible. I might be on the beach…
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) December 18, 2024

Rodgers also didn’t shy away from acknowledging the hurdles of an Achilles recovery, saying it’s a process that takes time for both the body and mind to heal fully. Reflecting on his own situation, he added with a hint of humor, “It’s possible [I’ll be better next year]. I might be on the beach…”

For Cousins, the optimism from Rodgers could be a much-needed boost. The 36-year-old quarterback has struggled this season, leading to his benching for rookie Michael Penix Jr. in Atlanta. But Rodgers’s comments suggest there’s room for a comeback, assuming the right circumstances.

Could Kirk Cousins be a fit for the Jets?

The New York Jets have some tough decisions to make this offseason. If they decide to part ways with Rodgers—an option that carries financial benefits—they’ll need a quarterback. Cousins, now benched in Atlanta and likely available, could present an intriguing option.

Here’s why Cousins makes sense for the Jets. With Atlanta still on the hook for part of his salary, Cousins could potentially sign a team-friendly, short-term deal—similar to how the Steelers handled Russell Wilson this past offseason.

Could we see Kirk Cousins or Aaron Rodgers starting under center again next season? 👀

“I find it hard to believe that they will be. I really do. Now, possibly on the mentoring road, the bridge road would be the way.” @golic @mikegolicjr | @GoJoandGolic pic.twitter.com/P2v72KHljD
— DraftKings Network (@DKNetwork) December 19, 2024

Despite a rough 2024 season, Cousins has consistently shown he can operate as a starting-caliber quarterback. His interception numbers (16 this season) are concerning, but he offers a stable option for the Jets. Cousins allows the Jets to buy time without locking into another long-term contract. This gives the organization flexibility to reset in 2026 while staying competitive next year.

Cousins isn’t Rodgers, and no one would argue otherwise. But if the Jets are looking for a stopgap quarterback with minimal financial risk, Cousins fits the bill. The Jets can’t afford to gamble everything on Rodgers’s health or push significant cap hits into 2027. A transitional plan with Cousins might not excite fans, but it gives the team breathing room to regroup for the future.

Image: Imagn

Aaron Rodgers

Kirk Cousins

Natasha Bose

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