It's not clear whether the Atlanta Falcons actually want to trade Kirk Cousins or not.
But if they do, the NFL Draft didn't work out in their favor. The QB-needy teams got quarterbacks.
The Browns picked two, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. The Steelers picked one, Will Howard, and suggested all weekend in public comments that they think they'll be landing Aaron Rodgers.
The Saints added Tyler Shough to help with Derek Carr's injury.
The Vikings traded for Sam Howell rather than Cousins.
It looks like Atlanta may have no choice but to keep Cousins, barring a preseason injury that forces a big QB need somewhere.
Cousins is under contract for three more seasons with the Falcons, although they have an expensive opt-out possibility after the 2025 season.
He won't be the starter, given that Michael Penix Jr. won that job at the end of last season.
Cousins could serve as a solid veteran mentor if he embraces the right mindset.
Atlanta could even keep the weirdness going and swing the pendulum back in Cousins' direction if Penix doesn't look improved in the preseason.
Cousins had a rough 2024, with a league-worst 16 interceptions, but he could still win games as a starting quarterback somewhere in this league.
The problem for Cousins and the Falcons, though, is that it doesn't look like there are any more starting jobs available.
