It’s been fairly quiet on the Atlanta Falcons’ offseason front so far — at least in terms of notable transactions. That said, the Falcons continue to be linked to various trade scenarios due to their unusual quarterback situation involving veteran Kirk Cousins and last year’s No. 8 overall pick, Michael Penix Jr.
The Falcons are reportedly hoping to find a trade partner and convince Cousins to waive his no-trade clause so that both sides can move forward amicably. One scenario proposed by ESPN’s Bill Barnwell involves a three-team trade between the Falcons, Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns, sending Cousins to Tennessee while giving Atlanta some much-needed draft capital.
In Barnwell’s proposed trade, the Titans would move off the No. 1 overall pick, sending it to the Browns. Cleveland would then presumably select Miami quarterback Cam Ward with that top pick. The Titans, now picking at No. 2, could target someone like Penn State’s Abdul Carter or another defensive standout. In addition to the No. 2 pick, Tennessee would also receive a 2026 second-rounder from Cleveland. Meanwhile, the Browns would get a 2026 sixth-round pick from Tennessee as part of the swap.
Atlanta’s involvement centers around offloading Cousins — and in this scenario, they’d be sending him to the Titans, who would opt against drafting Ward. The Falcons would also send cash considerations to make the deal more palatable for Tennessee. In return, Atlanta would receive only a 2026 seventh-round pick from the Titans.
Even Barnwell admits this is a far-fetched idea, if for nothing else the Titans offseason moves so far. They allowed backup quarterback Mason Rudolph leave, suggesting Ward is their preferred pick.
This also isn't necessarily an ideal trade for the Falcons, who, sure, gain another pick in 2026. The problem is, they need more picks in this years draft, as they only have five.
The Falcons would unload their wildly expensive backup quarterback in Cousins, whose $10 million roster bonus for 2026 was guaranteed earlier this month. With Cousins due $37.5 million between his 2025 base salary and 2026 bonus, the Falcons would eat $25 million to get this deal done, saving them the remaining $12.5 million. They would also get a Day 3 pick, which would seem generous since they clearly have no use for Cousins. The rules for underwater quarterback contracts, however, are different than the rules for players at every other position.
- ESPN's Bill Barnwell
