Kirk Cousins finds new way into the NFL playoffs after Falcons fall short

The Atlanta Falcons may be out of the playoff race, but Kirk Cousins has still found a way to stay connected to the NFL’s biggest stage. After Atlanta narrowly missed out on postseason football, the veteran quarterback is set to be part of the playoffs in a very different role this year.

The Falcons finished the 2025 regular season with an 8-9 record, just short of qualification. Despite a late push, inconsistency at quarterback and key injuries proved costly. For Cousins, it marked another frustrating chapter in what has been a turbulent stint with the Atlanta Falcons. Still, the 37-year-old is not stepping away from the spotlight.

Kirk Cousins joins playoff coverage on television

Cousins will appear in the broadcast studio. He has been named a guest analyst for CBS Sports during the Divisional Round and the AFC Championship Game. He will feature on “The NFL Today,” offering insight and analysis alongside the network’s regular panel.



The move comes after former Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan left his role at CBS to become Atlanta’s president of football operations. Cousins stepping into that seat feels like a natural transition, especially given his reputation as one of the league’s more thoughtful and articulate quarterbacks.



This is not Cousins’ first time in television. He has previously appeared as a guest analyst during playoff broadcasts and featured prominently in football documentaries. His ability to explain complex plays in simple terms has often stood out, making him a comfortable fit in the studio environment.

Future with the Falcons in question

Cousins’ on-field future, however, remains uncertain. He signed a massive contract with the Falcons, but his role shifted throughout the season. After being benched earlier in the year, he returned to the lineup late and helped Atlanta remain competitive. Even so, the Falcons ultimately fell short.



With Atlanta entering another period of transition, including changes in the front office and coaching staff, Cousins’ long-term place with the team will be decided in the coming months. A reworked contract gives both sides flexibility, and March is expected to be a key moment for clarity.

Despite his growing media presence, Cousins has made it clear that he still wants to play in 2026. The playoff analyst role is not a retirement signal, but rather a way to stay engaged with the game during the offseason window.

For now, Cousins will watch the postseason unfold from a studio desk instead of the sideline. It may not be the ending he wanted with the Falcons, but it ensures his voice and his football mind remain part of the NFL playoff conversation.

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