Kirk Cousins reportedly requested a trade after the 2025 NFL Draft, but that did not come to fruition. The Atlanta Falcons are now in the middle of an uproaring quarterback controversy, with the veteran passer increasingly agitated about his present situation.
Having signed a high-paying four-year contract last offseason, Cousins was tabbed to spearhead the Falcons' offense. Yet his recent benching by rookie Michael Penix Jr. left everyone wondering what the future holds for the erstwhile Pro Bowler.
Cousins Wants to Start, But Falcons Are Resistant
Cousins made it as plain as day: he wants to start quarterbacking in the NFL. With the Falcons determined to develop Penix Jr. into their franchise quarterback, though, Atlanta seems happy heading into the 2025 season with Cousins sitting on the bench, according to ClutchPoints.
Trading him, however, isn't quite so easy. The economic costs of executing a trade of his contract would be substantial, leaving Atlanta to take its time.
Although Cousins' availability as a high-priced reserve is less than perfect, the Falcons are not willing to consume dead cap dollars unless a deal they cannot refuse arises. That leaves room for a potential trade, but only if another team is desperate enough for a veteran starter with a proven track record.
Trade Market for Cousins: Slim But Not Impossible
The largest hindrance to any potential trade of Kirk Cousins is demand. There just aren't a lot of teams that need a starting quarterback at this time. The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the few reported destination teams, but even that would take a perfect storm.
ESPN considered two possible trade propositions involving Cousins and his previous team, the Minnesota Vikings. But those suggestions came to a halt immediately.
Cousins has a no-trade clause and is not willing to go back to Minnesota, particularly if it is to serve as a backup to another young QB like J.J. McCarthy, a scenario hauntingly familiar to his present situation in Atlanta.
As ESPN's Marc Raimondi pointed out, "Even if he liked living there, this would essentially be the same deal as Atlanta. Executing his no-trade clause, Cousins would probably veto the Vikings."
OTAs Snub Raises Eyebrows
Adding fuel to the fire, Cousins has not yet participated in voluntary Organized Team Activities (OTAs), indicating his unhappiness about the situation. His absence isn't surprising considering the ongoing drama, but it's a definite indicator that he's not happy with what he's being given.
Since being benched in Week 16 last season, the relationship between Cousins and the Falcons has been strained. The front office, meanwhile, appears focused on the future with Penix Jr., despite the financial commitment they made to Cousins.
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