Kirk Cousins Takes on Television Role After Falcons' Playoff Hopes Fade
The Atlanta Falcons will not compete in this year's NFL playoffs. Their season ended with an 8-9 record, just outside the qualification line. Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, however, has secured a different spot on the league's biggest stage.
From Field to Studio: Cousins Joins CBS Broadcast Team
Cousins will appear as a guest analyst for CBS Sports. He will work during the Divisional Round and the AFC Championship Game. His role involves providing insight and analysis on the network's flagship program, The NFL Today. He joins the regular panel in the broadcast studio.
This move follows a vacancy created by former Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan. Ryan recently left his CBS position to become Atlanta's president of football operations. Cousins stepping into that analyst seat represents a logical transition. He carries a reputation as one of the league's more thoughtful and articulate quarterbacks.
Television work is not entirely new for Cousins. He has previously served as a guest analyst during playoff broadcasts. He has also featured in several football documentaries. His clear ability to explain complex plays in simple terms makes him a natural fit for the studio environment.
Uncertain Future on the Field for Cousins in Atlanta
While Cousins finds a new role on television, his playing future with the Falcons remains unclear. He signed a significant contract with Atlanta, but his season saw considerable upheaval. The team benched him earlier in the year before he returned to the lineup later on. His late efforts helped keep the Falcons competitive, but inconsistency at quarterback and key injuries ultimately cost the team.
The Falcons now enter another period of transition. Changes are occurring in the front office and the coaching staff. Cousins' long-term place with the team will likely be decided in the coming months. A reworked contract provides flexibility for both sides. The month of March is expected to bring more clarity on his status.
Cousins has been clear about his intentions. Despite this growing media presence, he still wants to play football in the 2026 season. The playoff analyst role does not signal his retirement. Instead, it offers a way for him to stay engaged with the game during the offseason.
For now, Kirk Cousins will watch the postseason unfold from a studio desk, not from the sideline. It may not be the ending he envisioned with the Atlanta Falcons, but it ensures his experienced voice and sharp football mind remain part of the crucial NFL playoff conversation.
