Rams Eye Super Bowl Push While Considering Kirk Cousins as Veteran Insurance

The Los Angeles Rams enter the 2026 season with legitimate Super Bowl aspirations after falling just short a year ago, losing in the NFC Championship Game to the eventual champion Seattle Seahawks. With most of their core roster intact, the franchise remains positioned as one of the NFC’s strongest contenders heading into the new campaign.

A major factor in those expectations remains the performance and availability of quarterback Matthew Stafford, who enters the season coming off an MVP-winning campaign. Despite continued high-level production, concerns naturally surround his durability as he approaches his age-38 season.

Recognizing the importance of depth at the game’s most critical position, head coach Sean McVay has begun evaluating veteran options who could stabilize the offense if needed. Among those options is former starter Kirk Cousins, a familiar figure McVay reportedly invited into consideration for the Rams’ backup role.

The discussion reflects a broader league-wide trend in which contending teams prioritize experienced quarterbacks behind their starters to guard against late-season setbacks.

1. Rams Balance Title Window With Quarterback Reality

Los Angeles enters 2026 with one of the league’s most complete rosters, having retained much of its core from last season’s deep playoff run. The organization believes it remains firmly in its championship window, provided key players stay healthy. However, Stafford’s age and injury history continue to be central concerns for the coaching staff and front office. While his MVP-caliber performance reaffirmed his importance, the physical demands of the position at this stage of his career cannot be ignored. McVay and his staff have therefore emphasized the need for reliability behind him. The goal is to ensure the offense does not lose continuity if the starting quarterback is unavailable for any stretch of the season. That approach has made the backup quarterback position one of the Rams’ quiet but critical offseason priorities.

2. Cousins Emerges as a Logical Veteran Option

Cousins’ 2025 season with the Atlanta Falcons offered a reminder of his value as a steady, experienced starter. Initially serving as a backup to Michael Penix Jr., he was thrust into action following an injury and delivered competent results over an extended stretch. In eight starts, Cousins helped stabilize the offense and guided the Falcons to five wins during that span. He posted a 61.7% completion rate with 10 touchdowns and five interceptions, numbers that reflect efficiency if not explosive production. While not eye-catching statistically, his performance reinforced his reputation as a dependable quarterback capable of managing games effectively when called upon. For a contending team, that level of consistency can be invaluable. Cousins’ availability also aligns with the Rams’ immediate competitive timeline, making him a realistic target rather than a developmental project.

3. Familiarity With McVay Strengthens Fit

One of the most significant factors in Cousins’ potential move is his prior relationship with McVay. The two previously worked together during Cousins’ early years in Washington, giving the Rams coach direct insight into his preparation style and command of an offense. That familiarity could ease any transition into Los Angeles’ system, which is built around timing, precision, and quick decision-making. Cousins’ experience in similar offensive structures may further reduce the adjustment period if he were signed. If added, he would also benefit from one of the league’s strongest supporting casts, including wide receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. That combination of talent and scheme could maximize his effectiveness in a backup role. For Cousins, the opportunity would represent a chance to contribute to a championship contender, potentially positioning him for the first Super Bowl appearance of his career.