Kirk Cousins’ dynasty value hinges to a large degree on where he signs, but there’s no denying that there is some fantasy football utility in him, even as a pocket passer.
Let’s run through Cousins’ résumé and what we can expect from the veteran quarterback in his return from an Achilles injury that cost him nine games in 2023.
Kirk Cousins’ Dynasty Outlook
Sex sells. It’s that simple and has been for a long time.
Cousins doesn’t do anything on Sundays that puts him on highlight shows, but the next “fantasy points per ‘SportsCenter’ Top 10 appearance” league I play in will be the first.
All Cousins has done over the past three seasons is produce the type of elevated fantasy floor that anyone not holding an MVP candidate is looking for at the QB position.
In 2023, the average qualified QB dropped back to pass 36.4 times per game. Over the past three seasons, when Cousins clears 36 dropbacks, he scores at least 15.5 fantasy points 80.8% of the time. That may not seem like a massive number, but it’s just two points per game from QB10 last season — that rarely loses you a week.
It’s important to remember that not all players on your dynasty roster need to carry elite upside or a promising future. Those are the types of players who garner most of the attention, but look at your league standings year-over-year, and I promise you that there are some “boring” players like Cousins who played a large role in the run to glory!
Cousins’ Dynasty Ranking
Where does Cousins land in the dynasty QB landscape going into the 2024 offseason? Here are Soppe’s latest rankings, featuring where Cousins lands in comparison to other top names at the position.
Kyle Soppe’s Top QB Rankings
1) Patrick Mahomes | KC
2) Jalen Hurts | PHI
3) Josh Allen | BUF
4) Joe Burrow | CIN
5) Lamar Jackson | BAL
6) Anthony Richardson | IND
7) C.J. Stroud | HOU
8) Justin Herbert | LAC
9) Trevor Lawrence | JAX
10) Dak Prescott | DAL
11) Justin Fields | CHI
12) Tua Tagovailoa | MIA
13) Kyler Murray | ARI
14) Brock Purdy | SF
15) Jordan Love | GB
16) Deshaun Watson | CLE
17) Jared Goff | DET
18) Kirk Cousins | MIN
19) Will Levis | TEN
20) Sam Howell | WAS
21) Geno Smith | SEA
22) Aaron Rodgers | NYJ
23) Bryce Young | CAR
24) Daniel Jones | NYG
25) Derek Carr | NO
26) Baker Mayfield | TB
27) Kenny Pickett | PIT
28) Matthew Stafford | LAR
29) Desmond Ridder | ATL
30) Russell Wilson | DEN
31) Trey Lance | DAL
32) Mac Jones | NE
33) Jimmy Garoppolo | LV
34) Ryan Tannehill | TEN
35) Jacoby Brissett | WAS
36) Andy Dalton | CAR
Should You Trade Cousins in Dynasty?
Are you considering trading Cousins? Our free PFN Trade Analyzer allows you to find the best trade offer to make in seconds!
I don’t blame you if you’re looking to invest in other places than a passer entering his age-36 season coming off of an injury. Cousins doesn’t offer any upside with his legs and will likely be operating without a fully healthy T.J. Hockenson for at least part of 2024 should he remain with the Minnesota Vikings.
But what are you getting in return? My guess is that your peers aren’t tripping over themselves to send you offers for Cousins. Maybe that’s a good thing. The veteran QB has averaged over 2.0 touchdown passes per game in three of his past four seasons, consistent production through the air that is hard to find.
MORE: Dynasty Fantasy Football Trade Value Chart
Cousins’ age will be used as a knock against him in most circumstances, but I’d argue that, for win-now managers, it’s a good thing. It’s going to keep him off the radar of losing and developing teams during free agency this year, which means he’s more than likely to land on a ready-made offense that he can maximize.
I have my doubts about Cousins being a league winner or a top-10 option, but I do think he holds more value than the dynasty industry is giving him credit for. Hold tight, or find a team positioned to compete in 2024 and sell him as a QB with top-12 potential.
