Despite his massive salary, the Atlanta Falcons are in no rush to trade quarterback Kirk Cousins. Signed to a massive four-year, $160 million contract last year, the veteran started 14 games before losing his job to 2024 first-round pick Michael Penix. Now earning a massive salary to hold a clipboard, Atlanta Falcons General Manager Terry Fontenot recently spoke on when the team could inevitably part ways with the high-priced quarterback.
“We have to be patient there and we’re open with not just talking about Kirk, but with really anybody on our roster,” Fontenot said. “You know, we have a lot of those calls with – I’ve probably talked to already six or seven GMs, since the draft ended, and they’re talking about their roster. We’re talking about our roster because after you get through the draft, that shifts some things in terms of needs and surplus and all that.”
This is essentially one long way of saying it’s too early to trade Kirk Cousins, as teams across the league are still evaluating their revamped roster. Chances are, Atlanta will wait for an inevitable offseason injury before shopping Cousins around the league. However, if all 32 starters stay healthy over the offseason, the following teams could take on Cousins for the upcoming campaign.
Falcons GM Preaches “Patient” Approach to Kirk Cousins Trade Talks
Best Team Fits
Cleveland Browns
Why not add another carousel to the Factory of Sadness? The Cleveland Browns have the league’s worst quarterback situation by a country mile, with uninspiring veterans Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco set to battle rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel for the starting job. Cousins may not be the player he once was, but he should win this starting job comfortably.
Pittsburgh Steelers
As of this posting, the Pittsburgh Steelers have veteran Mason Rudolph battling rookie Will Howard for the starting job. While that could change if and when Aaron Rodgers decides on his future, a Kirk Cousins trade could be the best course of action for this team. The past few years proved that Mike Tomlin’s squad will continue to tread water, and even though Cousins isn’t a Super Bowl-caliber quarterback, he should be good enough to bring a talented team into the postseason.
Minnesota Vikings
Cousins is arguably best known for his time with the Minnesota Vikings, so why not bring him back for another run? J.J. McCarthy missed his entire rookie season, and nobody knows what he can do at the professional level. Cousins had a rough season last year, but the current Falcon is still better than the recently acquired Sam Howell.
New Orleans Saints
Would the Atlanta Falcons ever trade Kirk Cousins to a division rival? Who knows, but the Saints could use him more than most teams. With Derek Carr’s future uncertain, first-year head coach Kellen Moore may have to entrust his offense to some combination of Spencer Rattler, Jake Haener, and 26-year-old rookie Tyler Shough. This is a recipe for disaster, and Cousins could bring a much-needed veteran presence to the offense while serving as a short-term starter or high-end backup.
Main Photo: Brett Davis – Imagn Images
