Atlanta Falcons Stun The NFL By Sending Kirk Cousins To NFC Team In Blockbuster Trade Proposal That Would Make The Most Sense For His Career

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins is still a top name to follow on the trade market with 2025 NFL training camp approaching.

Last year, the Falcons signed Kirk Cousins to a four-year deal worth $180 million in free agency, including $100 million guaranteed. The four-time Pro Bowler was supposed to elevate Atlanta to playoff contention, but his late-season struggles prompted head coach Raheem Morris to start rookie Michael Penix Jr. for the final three games.

The Falcons have made it clear that Penix is their starting QB for 2025, so there’s no sense keeping a 37-year-old quarterback around with such a hefty salary. Fortunately for Atlanta, there could be one team desperate enough for QB help to take on Cousins’ contract.

Enter the Falcons’ archrivals, the New Orleans Saints, who have the league’s murkiest quarterback situation following Derek Carr’s stunning retirement.

The Falcons should be willing to give away Cousins for a late-round pick. A conditional 2026 fifth-round pick that can be upgraded to a fourth (depending on playing time) would be a fair price to pay.

Why The Saints & Falcons Do The Kirk Cousins Trade

For New Orleans, taking a chance on Cousins would be worthwhile to see if he could provide quarterback stability while they develop 2025 second-round pick Tyler Shough. At the very least, Cousins would be an upgrade over projected starter and sophomore Spencer Rattler.

If the Kirk Cousins experiment fails, the Saints can just target a quarterback in the deep 2026 NFL Draft.

One might ask why Atlanta would want to trade a veteran QB to a heated rival, knowing the risk that he could regain his star-like form. If you need an answer, just consider how much money they would save.

According to OvertheCap.com, the Falcons would take on $12.5 million in dead money but save a whopping $27.5 million against the cap for 2025 if they traded Kirk Cousins after June 1. Atlanta would also save $45 million against the cap for 2026 and 2027.

Also Read: 3 NFL Teams Reportedly Involved In Blockbuster Trade Talks For Kirk Cousins Ahead Of NFL Draft