Kirk Cousins appears to be stirring the NFL trade waters as the Atlanta Falcons have handed the reins to Michael Penix Jr. as their starting quarterback. The Falcons made waves last year when they drafted Penix in the first round, despite securing Cousins through free agency.
With the 2025 NFL Draft looming, Atlanta might be eyeing a shift in strategy to stockpile some extra draft capital. There’s no shortage of teams with quarterback quandaries, and Cousins’ track record shines compared to many other available options.
Let’s delve into three potential suitors for Cousins and what they might offer to bring the experienced quarterback on board.
3. Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns find themselves in a quarterback conundrum. With Deshaun Watson expected to sit out the 2025 season due to injury and his performance underwhelming even before that, the Browns bolstered their roster with Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett.
But is that enough? Cousins brings a tantalizing possibility for a team eager to remain competitive.
His previous working relationship with head coach Kevin Stefanski during their stint with the Minnesota Vikings adds an appealing layer of familiarity.
Projected trade package: The Falcons grab picks 104 and 179, letting go of Cousins and a 218 pick.
2. Minnesota Vikings
After a stellar 14-3 season, the Vikings made the bold choice to part ways with Sam Darnold. With their emerging talent, JJ McCarthy, sidelined by injury, they’re at a crossroads in their quest to remain contenders. Cousins could provide the consistency and experience Minnesota needs in this crucial period, arguably presenting an upgrade over Darnold.
Projected trade package: The Falcons receive picks 139 and 187 for Cousins.
1. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are reeling from yet another first-round playoff exit, prompting them to move on from Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Despite whispers of free agency connections to Aaron Rodgers, nothing concrete has materialized. With Mason Rudolph spotlighted as their starting quarterback, the Steelers might find Cousins to be a compelling pivot to elevate their game further.
As the Falcons weigh their options, teams like these will be watching closely, measuring what it will take to lure Cousins away and potentially reshape their own postseason fortunes.
