The Atlanta Falcons have been trying to move on from Kirk Cousins and his hefty contract ever since realizing that 2024 first-round pick Michael Penix Jr. is their quarterback of the future. However, Atlanta has struggled to find the right trade partner. With limited teams still in need of a quarterback, the Falcons are simply waiting for an opportunity—and they’re ready when one arises.
“Every time a quarterback gets hurt, the Falcons are going to be like, ‘Hello, look at the guy we got,’” NFL Insider Ian Rapoport said. “He suggested that Atlanta could even land a premium draft pick by trading Cousins during the season if a team becomes desperate enough.”
For a while, Cousins was seen as the Steelers’ backup plan if they failed to land Aaron Rodgers. That possibility ended on Thursday when the 41-year-old confirmed his intentions to join Pittsburgh.
“Four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers informed the Steelers he’ll fly to Pittsburgh on Friday and sign before next week’s minicamp, sources tell The Insiders,” NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero wrote.
This was a blow to Atlanta, as Pittsburgh was likely the last serious suitor for Cousins. With the Steelers going in a different direction, the Falcons are left in a difficult spot—with quiet trade phones and few remaining options.
“With Rodgers going to the Steelers, Cousins is left without a viable destination to satisfy his goal of being a starting quarterback in 2025. Thus, Cousins will be forced to play the waiting game — perhaps until training camp, the preseason or into the regular season — and monitor the health of quarterbacks around the NFL,” Sports Illustrated’s Daniel Flick wrote.
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This is not the situation the Falcons hoped for. Now stuck with Cousins’ contract, their best chance at moving him may depend entirely on injuries elsewhere in the league. For the time being, a deal appears off the table.
