There is little doubt the Kirk Cousins era for the Atlanta Falcons is done. After 14 starts the four-time Pro Bowler led the team to a 7-7 record. However, he was the biggest hindrance to them being much better. After signing a massive four-year, $180 million contract last offseason, the 36-year-old’s completion percentage, passer rating, and quarterback rating were all down significantly from the previous year.
It seems like the ruptured Achilles he suffered two seasons ago may have taken the last elite years from him. It is why he was benched late in the season for rookie Michael Penix. And the former Washington star showed in a limited time he should be their starter going forward.
Cousins has been on the trade block for weeks but his massive contract makes him difficult to move. Nevertheless, ATL is working hard to move him soon and reportedly is willing to eat a good portion of his deal. With several potential landing spots now no longer in play, here are five teams that could still pursue a Kirk Cousins trade.
New York Giants
The New York Giants have their fingers crossed and are wishing on a star the four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers chooses them this summer. Since they are willing to wait for him to make a decision, it could cost them some other impactful veterans. If they end up left with weak choices in free agency, they could take a hard look at bringing in Cousins.
Head coach Brian Daboll and general manager are trying to avoid being fired after this season and they want a veteran who can at least make them competitive for a playoff spot. Desperate times call for desperate measures.
Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans are expected to make Cam Ward the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft next month. However, if they do feel he is a reach in the top 10, they could decide to take the best player available — Abdul Carter of Penn State — and take a chance with Cousins. If it doesn’t work out they can move on from him after the season. And look to a stronger 2026 QB class to find a potential franchise QB.
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns situation at QB has been a mess due to Deshaun Watson turning into a shell of himself the last three seasons. Going after another damaged QB wouldn’t make much sense. But just like the Titans, they could decide to target the best player available in April. Instead of forcing themselves to take a QB at No. 2 in the NFL Draft.
Punting to 2026 to draft a QB may be a better option. In the interim, head coach Kevin Stefanski has had great success with pocket-passing QBs in the past. And he might be able to squeeze one more good season out of the veteran signal-caller.
Minnesota Vikings
Cousins returning to the Minnesota Vikings would seem outrageous to some. They let him walk in free agency because they did not want to give him the contract that the Falcons did. However, they seem dead set on having JJ McCarthy be their starter next season. Unlike Aaron Rodgers — who is interested in joining the Vikes — Cousins is open to the idea of being a backup. And doing it to return to Minny would certainly interest him.
As far as backup QBs go, Cousins would be the league’s best. And give them a great failsafe if McCarthy struggles in his first season as a starter. Furthermore, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter recently floated the idea.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers need a starting QB in 2025. The organization has been in contact with both Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson. But both could pass on a chance to head to the Steel City next season. It might force them to get a little desperate and take a risk on the four-time Pro Bowler. This is a good roster that might go to waste with a rookie QB or journeyman signal-caller.