A blockbuster trade proposal has the Atlanta Falcons giving quarterback Kirk Cousins a much-needed fresh start by sending the four-time Pro Bowler to a rival NFC team.
The Falcons signed Kirk Cousins to a four-year deal worth $180 million, including $100 million in guarantees, in free agency a year ago. But Cousins never looked like himself in 2024, and he was benched in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. for the final three games.
Atlanta’s offense performed much better with Penix Jr. leading the way, so GM Terry Fontenot has an easy call to trade Cousins if he can find a taker. That shouldn’t be difficult, given how many bottom-tier teams need a quarterback.
Bleacher Report’s Maurice Moton proposed a blockbuster trade idea that has the Falcons sending Cousins to the New York Giants in exchange for a 2025 fourth-round pick and cornerback Cor’Dale Flott:
“If the Giants watch quarterbacks come off the board before they’re on the clock with the No. 3 pick, general manager Joe Schoen shouldn’t reach for a signal-caller in a class discussed as a weaker group compared to last year’s crop of passers.
The Giants don’t have a quarterback under contract for 2025, so they will likely add a veteran with significant starting experience. Because of Cousins’ age and subpar 2024 season, Big Blue may be able to acquire him in exchange for a fourth-round pick.”
KIRK COUSINS TO DRAKE LONDON FOR A 30-YARD TOUCHDOWN 🔥
It’s Cousins’ first passing TD since Week 9 😳 pic.twitter.com/9BXRU4RpLV
— ESPN (@espn) December 17, 2024
The Giants cut Daniel Jones late in the season, not even two years after handing him a $160 million extension. Veteran Drew Lock finished the season as the Giants’ starting QB, but he obviously isn’t the answer.
An offensive-minded coach like Brian Daboll might be keen on the opportunity to revive Kirk Cousins’ career. And the former Minnesota Vikings star would join an offense featuring stud wideouts Malik Nabers and Wan’Dale Robinson, running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. and standout offensive tackle Andrew Thomas.
Other Teams That Could Target Kirk Cousins
The Pittsburgh Steelers could also make a play for Cousins if they let both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields walk to free agency. The Cleveland Browns could be in the QB market if they finally give up on the Deshaun Watson experiment.
Don’t count out the Seattle Seahawks if they move on from Geno Smith, either. What about the Los Angeles Rams if Matthew Stafford retires? Or perhaps Tom Brady might be able to sell Kirk Cousins on the idea of joining the Las Vegas Raiders.
