The Atlanta Falcons are shaking things up under center, preparing to part ways with Kirk Cousins just a year after signing him to a hefty $180 million contract. With Michael Penix Jr., their promising ninth overall draft pick, taking the reins as the new starting quarterback, Atlanta is exploring trade avenues for Cousins. Among the intriguing possibilities, the New York Giants stand out as a fitting destination. Let’s dive into why this trade could be a win-win scenario for both franchises.
Cousins’ Time in Atlanta: A Quick Analysis
Kirk Cousins’ return to form after a debilitating Achilles injury in 2023 has been rocky at best. In the 2024 season, he posted a 72.3 Pro Football Focus (PFF) passing grade, his lowest since 2017 and ranking him 22nd among 44 qualifying quarterbacks. Adding to his woes, a 4.6% turnover-worthy play rate placed him among the league’s least secure ball handlers. As Cousins faltered, Michael Penix Jr.’s rise was hard to ignore. So, moving to the next chapter with Penix feels like a natural progression for the Falcons.
However, Cousins’ contract, featuring a $27.5 million guaranteed salary for 2025, complicates trade prospects. For a successful trade, Atlanta might need to sweeten the deal by absorbing some of his salary, much like Denver did with Russell Wilson.
The Giants Factor
Heading into 2025 with no quarterbacks on the books, the Giants need a shake-up of their own. The scarcity of robust quarterback prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft intensifies this need, especially with their first pick sitting at third overall—a risky position if the top talents are snatched early.
Rather than rolling the dice on uncertain rookies, the Giants might prioritize a seasoned arm like Cousins. Despite his recent challenges, Cousins brings stability and leadership at a fair trade expense. His current form might make him affordable—possibly available for a mid-round draft pick, offering the Giants a budget-friendly fix to their quarterback dilemma.
Trade Proposal on the Table
Here’s a proposed swap:
- New York Giants Receive: Quarterback Kirk Cousins
- Atlanta Falcons Receive: 2025 Fourth-round pick, Cornerback Cor’Dale Flott
This exchange is all about tailoring strengths and addressing needs. The Giants gain a veteran QB to anchor their offense, while the Falcons bolster their defense and add draft capital.
Cor’Dale Flott is expected to bring a boost to Atlanta’s secondary. In 2024, he started 10 of 14 games, logging seven pass breakups, one interception, and limiting opposing quarterbacks to a 89 passer rating. Set to enter his contract year, Flott could mesh well alongside A.J. Terrell Jr., aiming to reverse the team’s 22nd-ranked pass defense from last season.
What’s in it for Atlanta?
Falcons GM Terry Fontenot has voiced confidence in possibly retaining Cousins as a backup, likely a strategic stance to enhance trade leverage. By absorbing part of Cousins’ contract, Atlanta could feasibly transition him without onerous cap repercussions, simultaneously mending their defense.
Historically, the Falcons aren’t strangers to parting with veteran QBs under similar circumstances. Look back to 2022, when Matt Ryan—the same age as Cousins is now—was dealt to the Colts for a third-rounder. Though Ryan performed better statistically at the time than Cousins’ 2024 season, the nature of the proposed trade reflects these disparities along with current market trends.
The Road Ahead
For Atlanta, trading Kirk Cousins would mark the dawn of the Michael Penix Jr. era and strengthen their defense. Meanwhile, the Giants would lock in a reliable quarterback solution, maintaining their draft stability. Addressing critical needs for both teams, this trade route emerges as a pragmatic choice.
Should Atlanta choose to keep Cousins, his future remains uncertain, a narrative the Giants are surely tracking closely as they strategize for 2025 and beyond.
