3 Reasons Why Kirk Cousins Wouldn't Work on the Rams

The Los Angeles Rams and Kirk Cousins are interested in partnering up now but the future might be bleak for both parties

Jan 4, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) passes against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

WOODLAND HILLS, Ca. The Los Angeles Rams and Kirk Cousins have mutual interest in partnering up this offseason. Here are three reasons why this move might not work out long-term.

1. This Is the Timeline Where the Rams Keep Jared Goff

The belief is that Cousins would play on a veteran minimum deal this season to set up plans on being Matthew Stafford's successor. That's a separate point that I'll address below, but hypothetically, if Stafford did retire and Cousins succeeded him, the Rams would be right back to the Jared Goff timeline with an older quarterback.

Sep 27, 2018; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) and Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) shake hands after their game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Unless Cousins wants to take a dramatic pay cut to start, the Rams will not have enough money to surround Cousins with the necessary pieces to win a title and even if they did, when it comes time to make the big throw, will Cousins lead the team like Stafford did in Super Bowl LVI or will he pull the trigger a bit too late, causing a pass breakup on Brandin Cooks in Super Bowl LIII? I have a bad feeling it's the latter. All I'm going to say is that playoff wins are not a quarterback stat, but there's a clear reason Cousins is 1-3 in the postseason. It's not the defense.

2. The Matthew Stafford Succession Plan Might Have to Take a Backseat

There has been no indication that Matthew Stafford wants to retire after next season, and after covering him in person for a year, it's easy to see the fire for this game burns bright, and I don't think a championship would pacify it.

Jan 25, 2026; Seattle, WA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) leaves the field after the 2026 NFC Championship Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images | Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

There's the saying about leaving the game before it leaves you, but Stafford possesses a skill set that is lost in time, a skill set modern quarterbacks do not have. That's a skill set that keeps an offense as good as the Rams timeless, and a timeless offense extends careers. Aaron Rodgers is 42. Just saying.

3. Baker Mayfield

Unless the Tampa Bay Buccaneers extend Mayfield this offseason, he's set to be a free agent next offseason. To be honest, I'm not sure if Mayfield wants to return as it seems the Todd Bowles era has run it's course, especially with Mike Evans' departure that was clearly Evans' decision, and then the retirement of Lavante David.

Jan 3, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) throws a pass against the Carolina Panthers in the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

If the Rams have to replace Stafford next season and Mayfield is available, I truly believe the Rams are going to give Mayfield a nine-figure contract to get him back to Los Angeles. He's a little younger, has the same experience of excelling in a McVay offense, and the crucial part is that Mayfield isn't a game-manager, he's a superstar.

Come any given Sunday, Mayfield is trying to whip someone's behind with no care for his safety. Not exactly what you want to hear from a quarterback, but all those things that make Stafford special, the attitude, the moxie, the willingness to dare, and the ability to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. That's Mayfield, and that's why he's more likely to succeed Stafford than Cousins, even if Cousins was on the roster.