As rumors swirl around four-time Pro Bowler Kirk Cousins’ future with the Atlanta Falcons, speculation is intensifying regarding a potential trade.
The 36-year-old quarterback, who was benched for Michael Penix Jr. toward the end of last season, has reportedly been the subject of trade inquiries.
According to NFL insider Josina Anderson, the Falcons have received calls from interested teams about the veteran quarterback. However, Atlanta has told other teams they are not currently looking to move Cousins.
Still, the situation remains fluid, and as Anderson notes, a third-round pick could be a “potentially actionable” cost for acquiring Cousins.
In addition to the trade talk, Cousins unlocked a $10 million bonus for the 2026 season on Saturday, a move that only adds to his already significant financial impact.
His sizable salary and status as a backup would make him an expensive luxury for any team, raising questions about whether Atlanta will ultimately change course.
Cousins, who was signed by the Falcons to a four-year, $180 million deal last offseason, didn’t have the best year.
Returning from a torn Achilles, Cousins struggled, posting his lowest quarterback rating (88.6) in a decade. He threw for 18 touchdowns but also had a career-high 16 interceptions, while also losing nine picks and three fumbles over just five games.
After the Falcons drafted Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Cousins was benched for the final three games of the season.
Despite the struggles, the Falcons have maintained that they are comfortable with Cousins’ $27.5 million base salary as their backup quarterback. However, a substantial trade offer could still prompt them to part ways with the 13-year veteran.
“He’s not going to make the same mistake again and sign off on going to a team and see that team then go draft Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter revealed on his podcast, explaining that Cousins’ full no-trade clause would give him significant leverage in any trade negotiations.
Schefter also noted that a trade isn’t likely before next month’s NFL Draft.
Schefter also speculated that a Minnesota Vikings reunion for Cousins could make sense, considering his history with the team. However, he suggested that a trade for Cousins might not command a high return.
Meanwhile, Anderson also mentioned that Will Levis – another quarterback – has come up in “preliminary” trade discussions.
Levis, who has struggled in his first two NFL seasons with the Tennessee Titans, could be another name to watch as trade rumors heat up.
As the NFL Draft draws nearer, the futures of both Cousins and Levis will remain a key point of interest for many teams.
While Cousins can be a punching bag at times for many fans, it’s not crazy to think that he could get back to playing at a (near) Pro Bowl level next season if he finds his way to the right situation.
What are your thoughts on the potential trade market for Cousins? … Would you trade a third-rounder for him???
