Ranking 3 best Kirk Cousins trade destinations in 2025 NFL offseason

Ranking 3 best Kirk Cousins trade destinations in 2025 NFL offseason
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The 2025 NFL offseason is shaping up to be another thrilling one, with quarterback movement once again expected to steal the spotlight. One of the most intriguing names that could hit the trade market is Kirk Cousins. Despite signing a lucrative deal with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024, his future with the team is already uncertain due to the Falcons’ struggles and the emergence of erstwhile rookie QB Michael Penix Jr. As Atlanta looks to clear cap space and fully embrace their young quarterback, a trade involving Cousins is becoming an increasingly realistic possibility.

A Turning Point for Cousins

Cousins arrived in Atlanta with high expectations following a six-year stint in Minnesota. The Falcons invested heavily in him, banking on his experience and accuracy to stabilize their quarterback situation and push the team toward postseason contention. However, his first year in Atlanta didn’t go as planned. In a defining moment late in the season, the Falcons benched Cousins in favor of Penix Jr. That’s a clear signal that the franchise was shifting its focus to the future, leaving Cousins’ role in question.

A noticeable decline in Cousins’ performance during the second half of the season—later attributed to shoulder and elbow injuries—ultimately led to his demotion. Now, the Falcons face a pivotal decision regarding their quarterback situation. Sure, Kirk Cousins remains under contract through the 2027 season. However, a compelling trade offer could prompt Atlanta to part ways with the 36-year-old before the 2025 campaign kicks off.

Here we’ll try to rank the three best Kirk Cousins trade destinations in 2025 NFL offseason in case he leaves the Atlanta Falcons.

  1. New York Jets

The New York Jets enter the 2025 offseason undergoing a complete reset. Their previous regime built the roster around Aaron Rodgers, even bringing in several of his former teammates. Of coursse, that experiment failed to produce results. Now, with Rodgers contemplating his future, the Jets face a critical decision at quarterback.

Even if Rodgers opts to play in 2025, there’s no guarantee the Jets will stick with him. Reports suggested that the 41-year-old quarterback is a “long shot” to return next season. That opens the door for New York’s new front office to explore alternative options, and Cousins could be an ideal target.

Financially, acquiring Cousins could be feasible if the Falcons agree to pay a portion of his salary. Additionally, with the Jets sitting at No. 7 in the 2025 draft order, they are likely out of range for the top quarterback prospects. That makes a veteran acquisition even more appealing. The Jets may not want to rely on a second- or third-round rookie to compete with Tyrod Taylor and Jordan Travis in training camp.

  1. New York Giants

The New York Giants’ 2024 quarterback situation was nothing short of disastrous. By November, they had cut ties with Daniel Jones. For the final six games of the season, they relied on a combination of Tommy DeVito and Drew Lock. Entering 2025, the Giants...