Three teams enter the race to trade for Kirk Cousins with the quarterback eager to leave Atlanta Falcons

Three teams enter the race to trade for Kirk Cousins with the quarterback eager to leave Atlanta Falcons

Three possible trade suitors have emerged for Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins, who could be dealt out of Atlanta after he lost his spot to Michael Penix Jr. towards the end of last season.

Cousins, 36, was up and down in the first year of a mᴀssive four-year, $180million pact with Atlanta, as he threw 16 interceptions before ultimately being benched in favor of then rookie-Penix for the final three games.

And with the former University of Washington pᴀsser now set to lead the Falcons into the future, Cousins could be traded to the Steelers, Browns or Vikings, according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini.

Russini noted that Cousins returning to his former team in Minnesota is viewed as the least likely scenario of those three, with the Vikings committed to 2024 No. 10 overall pick J.J. McCarthy at quarterback. 

Cousins is also said to be against going to a team where he would be in compeтιтion with a young quarterback, as he was with Penix, 24. Cousins played last season after recovering from an Achilles rupture in October 2023.

The veteran pᴀsser surprisingly attended the first day of the Falcons’ voluntary practices this week despite a trade looking likely.

Kirk Cousins has a number of trade suitors after being benched for Michael Penix Jr.

Kirk Cousins has a number of trade suitors after being benched for Michael Penix Jr.

Atlanta is all in on quarterback Michael Penix Jr. as the face of the franchise moving forward

Atlanta is all in on quarterback Michael Penix Jr. as the face of the franchise moving forward

Nonetheless, the Falcons appear ready to pull the plug on their long-term agreement with Cousins and eat millions of dollars as they move on from the former Commanders and Vikings pᴀsser.

Cousins’ cap number for 2025 is $40million, and the Falcons would absorb $37.5million, $25million and $12.5million of ᴅᴇᴀᴅ money in 2025, 2026 and 2027 respectively if he was traded prior to June 1.

The Steelers’ reported interest in Cousins could potentially have mᴀssive ramifications on the NFL Draft, as Pittsburgh has been heavily linked with Shedeur Sanders at No. 21 overall.

Read More Kirk Cousins sends NFL team’s fans into meltdown after QB is spotted in Chipotle near stadium article image

The Browns – badly in need of a quarterback amid Deshaun Watson’s injuries and struggles on the field – are expected to select wide receiver and cornerback Travis Hunter at No. 3, while the Vikings look ready to commit to McCarthy after the former Michigan star missed all of last season through injury. 

Russini reported that a trade for Cousins – if it happens – is likely to occur on Saturday (the first three rounds of the Draft are held on Thursday and Friday). 

Falcons GM Terry Fontenot also told reporters this week that it is ‘not accurate’ that Atlanta was looking for teams to pay at least $20million of Cousins’ salary in a potential deal.

In 14 starts last season, Cousins averaged over 250 pᴀssing yards and threw 18 touchdowns.

Related Posts

Adam ‘Pacman’ Jones breaks his silence and slams ‘overzealous policing’ after latest arrest

Adam ‘Pacman’ Jones breaks his silence and slams ‘overzealous policing’ after latest arrest

The agent for retired NFL star Adam ‘Pacman’ Jones has accused Northern Kentucky of abusing their authority and declared his client’s innocence after the former Bengals cornerback…

I sat next to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce on their glitzy date night… what I saw left me shaking

I sat next to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce on their glitzy date night… what I saw left me shaking

A Taylor Swift superfan has lifted the lid on the signer’s date night with Travis Kelce after sitting next to the loved-up couple at a glitzy Palm…

Aaron Rodgers arrives in Pittsburgh to make Steelers deal official as NFL limbo finally comes to an end

Aaron Rodgers arrives in Pittsburgh to make Steelers deal official as NFL limbo finally comes to an end

Aaron Rodgers has touched down in Pittsburgh as his drawn-out NFL limbo appears to have finally come to an end.  The quarterback is set to play his…

BREAKING NEWSNFL star Chris Conley announces shock retirement after a decade in the league

BREAKING NEWSNFL star Chris Conley announces shock retirement after a decade in the league

NFL veteran Chris Conley has called time on his career announcing his retirement Saturday at the age of 32.  The wide receiver played 10 seasons in the…

BREAKING NEWSTaylor Swift and Travis Kelce send fans wild with ‘cozy and lowkey’ appearance at cousin’s wedding

BREAKING NEWSTaylor Swift and Travis Kelce send fans wild with ‘cozy and lowkey’ appearance at cousin’s wedding

A loved-up Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce look as smitten as ever in new pH๏τos from the Kansas City Chiefs legend’s family wedding this week. Swift gave guests…

Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell reveals why he rejected Aaron Rodgers as he lifts lid on talks with veteran QB

Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell reveals why he rejected Aaron Rodgers as he lifts lid on talks with veteran QB

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has revealed he turned down the chance to sign Aaron Rodgers as he’s focused on doing what’s best for the ‘future’…