Three possible trade suitors have emerged for Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins, who could be dealt out of Atlanta after he lost his spot to Michael Penix Jr. towards the end of last season.
Cousins, 36, was up and down in the first year of a massive four-year, $180million pact with Atlanta, as he threw 16 interceptions before ultimately being benched in favor of then rookie-Penix for the final three games.
And with the former University of Washington passer now set to lead the Falcons into the future, Cousins could be traded to the Steelers, Browns or Vikings, according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini.
Russini noted that Cousins returning to his former team in Minnesota is viewed as the least likely scenario of those three, with the Vikings committed to 2024 No. 10 overall pick J.J. McCarthy at quarterback.
Cousins is also said to be against going to a team where he would be in competition with a young quarterback, as he was with Penix, 24. Cousins played last season after recovering from an Achilles rupture in October 2023.
The veteran passer surprisingly attended the first day of the Falcons’ voluntary practices this week despite a trade looking likely.
Kirk Cousins has a number of trade suitors after being benched for Michael Penix Jr.
Atlanta is all in on quarterback Michael Penix Jr. as the face of the franchise moving forward
Nonetheless, the Falcons appear ready to pull the plug on their long-term agreement with Cousins and eat millions of dollars as they move on from the former Commanders and Vikings passer.
Cousins’ cap number for 2025 is $40million, and the Falcons would absorb $37.5million, $25million and $12.5million of dead money in 2025, 2026 and 2027 respectively if he was traded prior to June 1.
The Steelers’ reported interest in Cousins could potentially have massive ramifications on the NFL Draft, as Pittsburgh has been heavily linked with Shedeur Sanders at No. 21 overall.
The Browns – badly in need of a quarterback amid Deshaun Watson’s injuries and struggles on the field – are expected to select wide receiver and cornerback Travis Hunter at No. 3, while the Vikings look ready to commit to McCarthy after the former Michigan star missed all of last season through injury.
Russini reported that a trade for Cousins – if it happens – is likely to occur on Saturday (the first three rounds of the Draft are held on Thursday and Friday).
Falcons GM Terry Fontenot also told reporters this week that it is ‘not accurate’ that Atlanta was looking for teams to pay at least $20million of Cousins’ salary in a potential deal.
In 14 starts last season, Cousins averaged over 250 passing yards and threw 18 touchdowns.
