Kirk Cousins Trade Rumors: Will the Falcons Send Their QB to the Colts or Steelers?

By Jason Bolton June 08, 2025 12:44

The 2025 NFL offseason has been marked by significant quarterback movement, and one of the most intriguing storylines involves Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins. After a tumultuous 2024 season where Cousins was benched in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr., trade rumors have swirled around the veteran signal-caller. However, recent developments, particularly the signing of Aaron Rodgers by the Pittsburgh Steelers, have dramatically altered Cousins' trade landscape.

The Steelers Factor: Rodgers Signs, Cousins' Best Trade Destination Disappears

For months, the Steelers were considered a prime potential landing spot for Cousins. ESPN insider Adam Schefter noted that Pittsburgh had Cousins as a "Plan B" if Rodgers opted not to continue playing. Rodgers’ decision to sign a one-year deal with the Steelers effectively closes the door on that option, leaving Cousins without a clear starting opportunity in Pittsburgh.

The signing of Rodgers not only brings a high-profile veteran to Pittsburgh but also shifts the Steelers’ quarterback depth chart, making a trade for Cousins redundant. As a result, Cousins now faces a waiting game, monitoring quarterback health and roster changes across the league to see if an opportunity arises later in training camp or the regular season.

Falcons’ Stance and Cousins’ Contract Challenges

Atlanta’s position in this saga is firm. The Falcons, who signed Cousins to a lucrative four-year, $180 million contract last offseason, have no interest in releasing him outright due to the significant financial implications. According to reports, releasing Cousins now would cost Atlanta a $10 million net loss, a steep but manageable figure compared to the $35 million they would have faced earlier in the offseason. The Falcons prefer a trade that would bring some compensation rather than simply absorbing the cap hit.

Cousins himself has been vocal about his desire to start elsewhere in 2025, even meeting with team owner Arthur Blank to plead his case. Yet, with no viable trade partner willing to absorb his contract, the Falcons hold the leverage. Cousins has a no-trade clause, which complicates matters further, but the lack of suitors means he may have to reconsider his stance or renegotiate his deal to facilitate a move.

Potential Landing Spots: Colts and Others

With the Steelers option off the table, speculation turns to other teams, notably within the AFC South. The Indianapolis Colts have been floated as a possible destination for Cousins, given their ongoing search for quarterback stability. However, no concrete trade talks have surfaced publicly, and the Colts' interest remains speculative at this stage.

The Falcons also appear unhurried in moving Cousins, possibly retaining him as a backup to Penix Jr. if no suitable trade emerges. Offensive coordinator Zac Robinson has described Cousins’ offseason presence as "in and out," reflecting the uncertain status of his role with the team.

Performance and Future Outlook

Cousins’ 2024 season was a mixed bag. He completed 66.9% of his passes for 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions over 14 starts. His late-season struggles, including one touchdown to nine interceptions in the final five games, contributed to his benching and raised questions about his future as a starter.

Despite these challenges, Cousins remains a seasoned veteran with a track record of productivity. Whether he can find a new home as a starter in 2025 depends largely on the evolving quarterback market and his willingness to adapt contractually.

The Falcons’ quarterback saga is far from over. Kirk Cousins’ desire to start elsewhere clashes with the realities of his contract and the current NFL landscape. Aaron Rodgers’ signing with the Steelers removes the most promising trade destination, leaving Cousins in a precarious position. The Colts and other teams may still emerge as options, but for now, Cousins faces a critical offseason decision: accept a backup role in Atlanta, renegotiate his deal, or continue waiting for a trade that may never come.

As the 2025 season approaches, the Falcons’ handling of Cousins will be a storyline to watch, reflecting the complexities of managing veteran quarterbacks in today’s NFL