Cousins on the Move? Top Trade Destinations and Impact on NFL

The NFL quarterback carousel never truly stops spinning, and as the 2025 season approaches, one name continues to fuel speculation: Kirk Cousins. Despite signing a lucrative four-year, $180 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024, the veteran quarterback’s future with the team is uncertain following the Falcons’ surprising decision to draft Michael Penix Jr. Now, the question isn’t just whether Cousins will move, but where he might land and how his arrival could reshape the landscape of the league.

Atlanta’s Quarterback Conundrum

The Falcons’ situation is undeniably complex. After Cousins started the first 14 games of the 2024 season, showing flashes of his Pro Bowl talent but also struggling with consistency, head coach Raheem Morris turned to Penix Jr. This move signaled a shift in the Falcons’ long-term plans, leaving Cousins in an awkward position. While the Falcons have publicly stated they are comfortable with Cousins as Penix Jr.’s backup, few believe this is a sustainable solution.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, trade rumors surrounding Cousins are likely to persist until the trade deadline or until the Falcons ultimately move the quarterback. This ongoing speculation can be a distraction for the team, but a trade could also allow the Falcons to recoup some of the draft capital they surrendered to acquire Penix Jr.

The Contractual Hurdles

Complicating matters further is Cousins’ contract. He has three years remaining on his deal, with a guaranteed base salary of $27.5 million for the 2025 season. His cap hit is a hefty $40 million. Trading Cousins before June 1 would saddle the Falcons with a significant dead money hit of $37.5 million, while a post-June 1 trade would reduce that figure to $12.5 million, offering a cap savings of $27.5 million.

Cousins also possesses a no-trade clause, granting him control over his destination. This means he would need to approve any potential trade, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.

Potential Landing Spots

Despite the challenges, several teams could be interested in acquiring a quarterback with Cousins’ experience and track record. Here are some of the top potential destinations:

Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers have been consistently linked to Cousins, particularly with uncertainty surrounding Aaron Rodgers. With Mason Rudolph and Will Howard as their other options, the Steelers could view Cousins as a significant upgrade, providing a veteran presence to compete for a playoff spot. The Steelers have a productive tight end in Pat Freiermuth and recently acquired Pro Bowl wide receiver D.K. Metcalf, giving Cousins a solid set of weapons.

New Orleans Saints: Following Derek Carr’s retirement, the Saints are in need of a reliable quarterback. While they have rookie Tyler Shough on the roster, the Saints might prefer a veteran like Cousins to compete in the NFC South. The Saints have a history of pursuing veteran quarterbacks and could see Cousins as a way to remain competitive.

Minnesota Vikings: A reunion with his former team cannot be ruled out. With J.J. McCarthy recovering from a torn meniscus and Sam Howell as the other option, the Vikings could bring back Cousins to provide a veteran presence and mentor their young quarterbacks.

Cleveland Browns: The Browns were long viewed as a potential destination for Cousins, given Kevin Stefanski’s familiarity with him from their time together in Minnesota. However, after acquiring Kenny Pickett and drafting Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, it seems unlikely that the Browns will pursue Cousins.

Impact on the NFL

A trade involving Kirk Cousins would have significant implications for the teams involved and the broader NFL landscape:

Contenders Emerge: A team acquiring Cousins would instantly become a more serious contender, particularly if they already possess a strong supporting cast. His arrival could elevate a team from playoff hopeful to Super Bowl contender.
Quarterback Carousel Continues: If Cousins is traded, it could trigger a domino effect, with other teams adjusting their quarterback plans. This could lead to further trades or free-agent signings, reshaping the quarterback landscape across the league.
Draft Implications: The Falcons’ decision to draft Penix Jr. despite having signed Cousins has already impacted the draft. A Cousins trade could further influence teams’ draft strategies, as they reassess their quarterback needs and priorities.

The Waiting Game

As the offseason progresses, the Kirk Cousins saga is likely to continue. The Falcons will need to weigh their options carefully, considering the financial implications and the potential impact on team chemistry. Cousins, meanwhile, will be evaluating his potential destinations, seeking a team where he can start and compete for a championship.

Ultimately, the decision rests with the Falcons and Cousins. But one thing is certain: his next move will have a ripple effect across the NFL.