Kirk Cousins’ Departure Signals New Chapter for Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are clearly moving on from Kirk Cousins as their starting quarterback. After stepping in for a struggling Michael Penix Jr. during Week 4’s defeat to the Panthers, head coach Raheem Morris has decisively stated that Cousins will not reclaim his starting role.
When asked if Cousins would have a chance to compete for his old position, Morris was unequivocal. “Kirk lost his job last year. We’re not even close to that with Mike [Penix],” he stated firmly. “He had a bad day. We had a bad day. Mike is our quarterback. We got a lot of confidence in Mike. We’re moving forward with Mike. Mike’s the guy.”
This statement leaves little doubt about the team’s direction, but it raises questions about Cousins’ future. While it does not explicitly indicate that he is on the trading block, the possibility cannot be completely dismissed. According to USA Today’s Nate Davis, teams in need of a quarterback may consider making a move for Cousins, with three teams in particular standing out as potential suitors.
Trade Considerations for Kirk Cousins
Davis notes that any acquisition of Cousins would be a “break-glass-in-case-of-emergency situation.” Teams interested in him would need substantial cap space, given that he is owed a prorated portion of his $27.5 million base salary this season. At 37 years old and two years post-Achilles surgery, the conditions for a trade could be complex. Furthermore, Cousins holds a no-trade clause, allowing him to veto any potential deal.
The three NFC teams Davis highlights—Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Rams, and Seattle Seahawks—are intriguing options considering the current state of their quarterback situations. If these teams find themselves with a long-term need at the position and are uncertain about their in-house backups, Cousins might be an appealing target.
Assessing the Backup Situations
While these teams may seem surprising, their current backups do not measure up to Cousins’ experience and skill set.
Lions Backup QB
The Lions currently have Kyle Allen as the backup to Jared Goff. Allen, an eight-year veteran, has only appeared in 32 games and started 19 of those, holding a 7-12 record. His last starting role was back in 2021 with the Houston Texans, raising concerns about his readiness for a more significant role.
Rams Backup QB
The Rams have a slightly more promising situation behind Matthew Stafford. They can call on Jimmy Garoppolo, a two-time Super Bowl champion with 11 NFL seasons under his belt. Garoppolo has a career record of 43-21 across 64 starts, although his last appearance was in the Rams’ regular-season finale last year. Additionally, they have Stetson Bennett, a fourth-round pick in 2023, who has yet to see action in a regular-season game.
Seahawks Backup QB
For the Seahawks, the situation is less reassuring. Sam Darnold is the starter, with Drew Lock as his backup. Lock, now on his third NFL team, has made 37 appearances and started 28 games, but he holds a 10-18 record overall. He made five starts in the 2024 season for the New York Giants. Rookie Jalen Milroe, drafted from Alabama, has had limited exposure, appearing in just two games this season.
Rams as Cousins’ Best Destination
Among these three, the Rams may represent the most sensible option for Cousins. Given Stafford’s ongoing health concerns—he entered the season with back issues that could resurface—adding a seasoned quarterback like Cousins could provide critical depth. The uncertainty surrounding Stafford’s condition might push the Rams to explore their options, making Cousins a potentially attractive addition to their roster.
