Potential Trade Rumors: Atlanta Falcons Consider Swapping Kirk Cousins

NFL Insider Floats Possibility of Atlanta Falcons Trading Kirk Cousins Despite Recent Contract Extension

In a surprising twist, an NFL insider has hinted at the potential departure of quarterback Kirk Cousins from the Atlanta Falcons, despite the team's substantial investment in him earlier this year.

The Falcons made headlines in March by securing Cousins with a lucrative four-year contract worth $180 million. However, eyebrows were raised when they opted to draft Michael Penix Jr. as the No. 8 overall pick just last month.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network has since speculated about the Falcons possibly trading Cousins if the team's performance in the 2024 season falls short of expectations.


"[...] do you play Penix if he's good enough? Then maybe you do ... You could theoretically trade Cousins to a place he would want to go to the next season and then you have your franchise guy," Rapoport discussed on 'The Rich Eisen Show'.

Cousins, who spent the previous six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, boasts a respectable track record, leading his former team to multiple playoff appearances and securing a playoff victory. However, his 2023 season was cut short due to a season-ending Achilles injury sustained during a Week 8 triumph over the Green Bay Packers.

Reports indicate that Cousins' contract with the Falcons includes a no-trade clause, providing him with leverage in any potential trade discussions initiated by the team.

Despite the swirling rumors, Falcons General Manager Terry Fontenot has remained steadfast in affirming Cousins' position as the team's starting quarterback, emphasizing the significance of Penix's role in the franchise's future.

"Kirk Cousins is our quarterback," Fontenot declared post-draft. "We're very excited about Kirk. We're very excited about this team. Michael Penix, we're talking about the future. You look at the future. You look at the big picture. We are very excited about that quarterback room, and again, Kirk is our quarterback. But adding Michael Penix is thinking about the future."

Head coach Raheem Morris echoed Fontenot's sentiments, expressing confidence in Cousins' ability to lead the team to success in the upcoming season. Morris emphasized the significance of the Falcons' decision to draft Penix in the first round, suggesting it was a strategic move aimed at securing a promising future while maintaining competitiveness in the present.