Wilson & Cousins Demoted: When ‘Legends’ Slip to Tier 4, the Past Doesn’t Save You Anymore

In the latest quarterback rankings voted on by 50 NFL coaches and executives, a cold reality has set in: Russell Wilson, once the face of victory and grit in Seattle, has been pushed down to Tier 4 – a spot usually reserved for backups or veterans on their last legs. Kirk Cousins, who once carried an entire franchise on his shoulders, fared slightly better in Tier 3, but he hasn’t escaped the wave of skepticism crashing down on him.

This shake-up stings not just because of their reputations, but because it’s a harsh reminder of the NFL’s truth: you can’t live off past glory. In a league where every throw, every read, and every decision is magnified, form is everything. One bad season can erase a decade of dominance.

Wilson, after years of magic with the Seahawks, has struggled to rediscover his game in Denver. Once a master at escaping pressure and delivering pinpoint deep balls, he’s now been criticized for slower decision-making, lack of explosiveness, and losing that “it” factor that made him dangerous. Tier 4 is a brutal wake-up call: in the NFL, your spot isn’t given — it’s earned every season.

Cousins’ story is different. He still put up over 4,000 passing yards last season, but injuries and limitations in key playoff moments have fueled doubts about whether he can lead a team all the way to a Super Bowl. When asked about the criticism, Cousins fired back with a tongue-in-cheek response:

“They say I’m ‘past my expiration date’? That’s funny. This arm still threw for over 4,000 yards last year. Maybe I should just send the NFL my medical report — or better yet, send them a highlight of my 60-yard game-winning bomb.”

The clapback didn’t just make fans laugh — it sent a clear message: he’s not laying down his weapons. For Cousins, these rankings are nothing more than motivation to flip the narrative.

This coming season could be the defining one for both quarterbacks. Wilson will have to fight to prove he can still be a trusted starter, while Cousins will need to show he’s more than just a “stat-sheet QB” — that he can deliver in the biggest moments.

In the NFL, you’re not remembered for what you’ve done — you’re remembered for what you do next. For Wilson and Cousins, the path back to respect won’t be given. It will have to be taken, one throw, one drive, one win at a time.