Falcons QB Kirk Cousins Linked to Potential New Home Via Trade

The Atlanta Falcons signed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to a massive contract last offseason in NFL free agency. However, they also doubled down at quarterback and drafted Michael Penix Jr. early in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Despite making a big long-term commitment to Cousins, the Falcons replaced him as the starter with Penix late last season.

Heading into this offseason, Cousins was talked about as a potential trade candidate. Even though rumors surrounded him all offseason long, Cousins is still in Atlanta and there are very few potential teams around the league who could use him.

That being said, one potential team could be in need of a quarterback. Cousins could be an ideal option for them as well.

Matthew Stafford has been dealing with back soreness. His back issue has kept him out of action to this point and there are real concerns about his ability to stay healthy for the entire 2025 season.

Could the Los Angeles Rams consider pursuing a trade for Cousins? Their current backup quarterback is Jimmy Garoppolo, but Cousins would give them a better chance to compete this season than Garoppolo would.

CBS Sports analyst Cody Benjamin has named Cousins as a potential target for the Rams if they're looking to make an addition to the roster.

"There is little doubt Cousins would rush to be at the helm of Sean McVay's offense, especially with sitting behind Michael Penix Jr. in Atlanta being the alternative," Benjamin wrote.

"It's also not difficult to connect dots between Cousins' style -- a timing-based play-action approach -- and McVay's schematic designs. The two previously worked together in Washington. The holdup, of course, is that the Rams would never trade for Cousins while Stafford is capable of retaking the field. This is a logical, albeit 'break glass'-level, scenario."

Last season in 14 games with the Falcons, Cousins threw for 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions, while also completing 66.9 percent of his passes.

His turnover numbers were concerning. However, he had moments where he was his old self. Cousins can still play the position at a high level.

It's possible that Los Angeles is comfortable with Garoppolo. But, if Sean McVay and the Rams are interested in adding a better option behind Stafford, Cousins could be that guy.