The Seattle Seahawks enjoyed a solid first season under head coach Mike Macdonald, finishing with a respectable 10-7 record. However, in a fiercely competitive NFC landscape, that wasn’t enough to secure a playoff spot. While Macdonald is pleased with the progress, he is aiming higher, leading to the departure of offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb. Enter Klint Kubiak, who steps in with the intent to elevate Seattle’s offensive game, but it seems further changes could be on the horizon.
One name that’s been stirring the conversation is Kirk Cousins. With Macdonald and Kubiak both expressing trust in Geno Smith, we can’t ignore the fact that Smith had his struggles last season. For Seattle to truly take the next step, a fresh face at quarterback could be just what they need, and Cousins could fit the bill.
The Atlanta Falcons recently find themselves at a crossroads with Cousins following a change to Michael Penix Jr., their promising first-round draft pick from 2024. With Cousins losing the starting role, it’s likely he’ll seek a trade or release, especially as he approaches 37, a pivotal moment for his career.
From the Falcons’ perspective, moving on from Cousins makes sense as well. While Penix Jr. showcased potential during brief outings last season, Cousins struggled significantly after recovering from a season-ending Achilles injury in 2023. His performance dipped, culminating in a modest 72.3 Pro Football Focus passing grade and a troubling 4.6% turnover-worthy play rate—placing him among the highest in the league.
Beyond boosting Penix’s confidence as he gears up for 2025, shedding Cousins could also ease the financial burden from his substantial $180 million contract signed last offseason.
As for the Seahawks, the question remains: can they genuinely rely on Geno Smith? Last season, Smith’s inconsistencies became a topic of concern. At 34, despite impressive yardage totals—4,320 yards—he couldn’t evade mistakes, throwing 15 interceptions, tying for third-most in the NFL. With only 21 touchdowns to counteract those errors, it’s clear Seattle needs to explore alternative options at quarterback.
Enter Kirk Cousins. He offers a wealth of experience and could provide the Seahawks with the stability they need to build a more robust offensive strategy. Although his time with the Falcons wasn’t without its challenges, he still managed to accumulate 3,508 passing yards and 18 touchdowns, even in a down year marred by 16 interceptions.
Cousins’ fit with Seattle is enhanced by his connection with Kubiak. Having previously played under Kubiak during their time with the Minnesota Vikings, Cousins flourished in that system, leading to strong overall offensive metrics—ranking 12th in total yards, 14th in scoring offense, and 11th in passing offense. If Kubiak can rekindle that chemistry with Cousins, the Seahawks might unlock the kind of offensive firepower they need to reclaim their spot as contenders.
As Seattle looks to make significant strides in the upcoming season, the alignment of a seasoned quarterback like Cousins with Kubiak’s offensive vision could be just what they need to transform promise into performance. The intersection of experience and strategy presents an intriguing pathway as the Seahawks aim for greater heights in 2025.
