1 last-minute trade Jets must make before Week 1 of 2025 NFL season
The New York Jets are no strangers to seismic quarterback decisions. For years, they’ve cycled through young talent and veteran placeholders, desperately searching for stability at the most important position in sports. As the 2025 NFL regular season approaches, it feels like deja vu all over again in Florham Park. After a turbulent preseason from newly signed Justin Fields —who was expected to take hold of the reins—there are once again serious questions about whether this team can contend with him under center. If the Jets wish to salvage a promising roster stocked with playoff-caliber talent, they need to make one bold, last-minute move: trade for veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins.
The Highs and Lows of the Fields Experiment
New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields (7) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images
When the Jets signed Justin Fields this offseason following his departure from Atlanta, optimism in New York spiked. Fields’ athleticism and arm strength brought intrigue to a locker room eager for juice after the short-lived Aaron Rodgers era. At just 26, Fields seemed like the type of reclamation project worth betting on, especially given the offensive firepower of Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall, and a much-improved offensive line.
But the last month has exposed the same demons that haunted Fields in Chicago. His decision-making has been erratic in training camp, his accuracy issues remain unsolved, and he has looked tentative when forced to play within structure during preseason action. While he’s flashed highlight runs and a few spectacular throws downfield, the lack of consistency has caused both fans and the Jets’ coaching staff t o lose confidence that he can pilot a deep playoff run in 2025.
In short, the Jets face a familiar problem: too much roster talent to waste with an underdeveloped quarterback. That’s why the team must pivot quickly.
Why Kirk Cousins Makes Sense
Kirk Cousins, now with the Atlanta Falcons, suddenly finds himself in a complicated situation. Signed last offseason to a significant contract, Cousins appeared to be Atlanta’s immediate answer post-Desmond Ridder. But the Falcons pivoted in stunning fashion during the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting Washington quarterback Michael Penix in the first round. That decision immediately cast Cousins as a bridge rather than a savior, and while he is still a capable starter, the Falcons are clearly building their future around Penix after they benched Cousins last year making him the backup in 2025.
Given Atlanta’s timeline, Cousins is expendable. And that’s where the Jets come in.
The 36-year-old quarterback remains one of the league’s most efficient pocket passers when healthy. Prior to his Achilles injury in 2023, Cousins was on pace for a career year in Minnesota, and even last season with Atlanta, he proved reliable when protected. He doesn’t have Fields’ mobility, but what he brings is clarity—command of an offense, pre-snap diagnosis, and the ability to deliver accurate throws in rhythm.
For a Jets roster boasting a top-10 defense and a supporting cast of skill players ready to compete, Cousins is the type of stopgap who could stabilize the offense immediately and put New York firmly in the AFC playoff picture.
Trade Proposal
Jets receive:
- QB Kirk Cousins
Falcons receive:
- 2026 3rd-round pick
- Conditional 2027 4th-round pick (escalates to 3rd if Cousins starts 12+ games in 2025)
This deal works for both sides. The Falcons can hand the reins fully to Michael Penix and free up the cap space. For New York, the draft compensation is manageable given their win-now urgency, and they acquire a steady veteran capable of steering a playoff-caliber roster.
Of course, there are risks. Cousins is not the long-term answer and carries injury concerns—particularly given his age and recovery from past injuries. Additionally, the Jets’ willingness to give up on Fields so quickly c ould be seen as a sign of desperation, potentially wasting a talented athlete who might still develop under the right coaching.
The AFC is too deep to experiment at quarterback. Teams like the Chiefs, Ravens, Bills, and Bengals already boast established stars under center. The Jets cannot afford to be the franchise still holding auditions at the most important position. With one decisive move, they can pivot away from uncertainty and into stability with Cousins.
That doesn’t mean closing the door on Fields forever—perhaps he gets another shot down the line. But for the 2025 season, the Jets owe it to their locker room to capitalize on their prime roster and insert a proven veteran who can maximize their offensive weapons.
The Jets have already experienced the fragility of championship windows. They’ve learned the hard way how fast time disappears in the NFL. And now, with Week 1 looming, they have one chance to salvage their season before it even begins.
The move is clear: the New York Jets must pick up the phone, call Atlanta, and make Kirk Cousins their quarterback—before it’s too late.
