With his future with the Atlanta Falcons in doubt, NFL quarterback Kirk Cousins made a quiet stop in Tampa over the weekend. The veteran, widely expected to be on the move this NFL offseason, was just a mile away from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ training facility.

But it wasn’t football that brought Cousins to Tampa.

He was there to see his cousin: New York Yankees relief pitcher Jake Cousins. The NFL quarterback stepped onto the George M. Steinbrenner Field field before the Yankees faced the Houston Astros.

Unfortunately, he didn’t get to see his cousin pitch. Jake Cousins began spring training with a forearm issue and has just resumed throwing.

Kirk Cousins has already seen his cousin in pinstripes, making a trip to the Bronx last August, and he will have the chance again this season. Jake Cousins projects to be a key bullpen piece when healthy.

A four-time Pro Bowler and one of the NFL’s most consistent quarterbacks, Kirk Cousins spent time with Jake and Yankees manager Aaron Boone during batting practice, posing for photos and drawing plenty of attention from Yankees players and fans.

In 37 regular-season appearances last season, Jake Cousins posted a 2.37 ERA with 53 strikeouts in 38 innings. He earned Aaron Boone’s trust and was frequently used in high-leverage, late-inning situations before a pec injury sidelined him. While he wasn’t as effective in the playoffs, allowing three earned runs in 2 1/3 innings over three World Series appearances, the Yankees expect him to be a vital bullpen piece this season.

Kirk Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons in the 2024 offseason after six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. However, the Falcons made waves when they selected quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Last season, Cousins was benched in favor of Penix, and the Falcons are expected to release him before a $10 million bonus is due on March 17.