Kirk Cousins Trade Rumors: Will the Falcons Move On?

By Jason Bolton June 13, 2025 11:55

The Atlanta Falcons’ quarterback situation remains one of the NFL’s most intriguing offseason sagas, with Kirk Cousins at the center of swirling trade rumors. After losing his starting role late in the 2024 season to rookie Michael Penix Jr., Cousins requested a trade earlier this year. However, with the 2025 season fast approaching and the quarterback market largely settled, the question remains: will the Falcons finally move on from Cousins, or will he remain in Atlanta as a backup?

Cousins signed a blockbuster four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons just over a year ago, signaling the team’s initial commitment to him as their franchise quarterback. Yet, the decision to bench him in favor of Penix Jr. with three games remaining in 2024 changed the narrative. Since then, Cousins has been viewed as expendable, and the Falcons have actively explored trade options to free up salary cap space and solidify Penix’s position as the starter.

Despite the Falcons’ intent, the trade market for Cousins has been tepid. According to ESPN’s Field Yates, while the Falcons have expressed willingness to trade Cousins for draft capital even if modest the offers have not materialized into a deal. The challenge lies in Cousins’ hefty contract and the fact that many teams have already filled their quarterback needs for 2025. Falcons GM Terry Fontenot acknowledged this complexity, stating, “We haven't put a number on it... We wouldn’t share specific conversations, but to answer your question, we wouldn’t put a specific number on it” when asked about trade negotiations.

One of the more surprising trade scenarios proposed by Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay involves the New Orleans Saints. Kay suggested a potential swap sending Cousins to the Saints in exchange for quarterback Spencer Rattler and future draft picks. While a trade between division rivals is unusual, the Saints’ lack of a proven veteran quarterback could make Cousins an attractive option. Kay wrote, “New Orleans is running out of options to fix a QB room that consists of second-round rookie Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler, and Jake Haener. If the club wants to compete in 2025, it must swing a trade for Kirk Cousins the last remaining proven veteran who is realistically available”.

Other teams linked to Cousins include the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers. The Browns, however, have signed Joe Flacco and drafted Kenny Pickett, likely ending their pursuit. The Steelers remain a wild card, especially as they await Aaron Rodgers’ decision. Minnesota is considered unlikely due to their commitment to rookie J.J. McCarthy and Cousins’ reluctance to join a team with a young quarterback already in place.

At the Falcons’ mandatory minicamp, Cousins addressed his status candidly, indicating a shift in mindset. “We’re moving forward,” he said. “It’s about how we as a team and as a quarterback room can be the best we can be in 2025.” This statement suggests Cousins has accepted a backup role for the time being, with the possibility of a trade only arising if injuries or other unforeseen circumstances create demand.

Statistically, Cousins’ 2024 season showed signs of decline, with a passer rating dipping below his career average and turnovers increasing, factors that likely contributed to the Falcons’ decision to pivot to Penix. Nonetheless, Cousins remains a seasoned veteran with a strong arm and experience in complex offenses, qualities that make him valuable as a backup or bridge starter.

While the Falcons have made clear their desire to move on from Kirk Cousins, the realities of the trade market and Cousins’ contract have made a move difficult to execute. For now, Cousins appears poised to stay in Atlanta as the backup quarterback, ready to support Penix and contribute if called upon. Whether the Falcons will ultimately find a trade partner remains uncertain, but the team’s commitment to Penix as their starter is unmistakable. The 2025 season will reveal if Cousins can redefine his role or if a trade will finally materialize.