Controversial Trade Proposal: ShoulAtlanta Falcons d the Force Kirk Cousins to Accept a Trade?
The veteran completed 66.9% of his passes for 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. He led the NFL in interceptions at the time of his benching. There was a stretch of four games in which the Falcons quarterback threw eight interceptions and no touchdowns, leading to four straight losses.
His play fell off a cliff and has left the Falcons in a tight spot, but I’m of the opinion they should hold Kirk Cousins’ feet to the fire. The Falcons organization is filled with nice guys from top to bottom. It’s a warm and welcoming place to work, I’m sure. But it’s time for a change of pace.
Here’s how the conversation with Kirk Cousins should go:
“Kirk, we appreciate everything you’ve done for us here, but we are moving forward with Michael Penix Jr., and here’s where we stand with you. You have been a consummate professional as Penix’s backup, and you can continue to do so in 2025, or you can try to make the most of your twilight years and work with us on finding a suitable trade partner.”
It’s an ultimatum. It’s that simple. Either Cousins can be the highest-paid backup quarterback, or he can waive his no-trade clause to have potentially one last chance to start in the NFL.
If the Falcons released Cousins before the start of the 2025 league year (March 12th), they would take on $65 million in dead money. If Atlanta does it with a post-June 1 designation, the dead money will spread over the 2025 and 2026 seasons — $40 million in 2025 and $25 million in 2026.
If the club traded him, the team would be on the hook for the $37.5 million, while his fully guaranteed $27.5 million base salary would have to be inherited by his new team. Of course, the team acquiring Cousins could force the Falcons to eat some of that $27.5 million in the trade.
In the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL, trade rumors and speculation are as inevitable as the change of seasons. This time, however, a potential move involving Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons has set the league abuzz with intense discussion and heated debate. Is it a brilliant move for the Falcons to pursue, or a highly contentious decision that could backfire in unexpected ways?
The Atlanta Falcons: A Franchise at a Crossroads
The Atlanta Falcons are a team in transition, striving to find stability and success after years of inconsistency. Despite having a solid foundation, the franchise has struggled to field a championship-contending team since their Super Bowl appearance in 2017, where they narrowly lost to the New England Patriots in what has since been deemed one of the greatest comebacks in Super Bowl history. Since then, the Falcons have experienced a revolving door of quarterbacks and coaching staff changes.
However, this season, there have been signs that the Falcons could be on the brink of resurgence. Under head coach Arthur Smith, the Falcons have shown flashes of brilliance, particularly on offense. Yet, a glaring question remains: can the team find a long-term solution at the quarterback position? For years, the Falcons have been searching for a consistent and reliable quarterback to lead them back to prominence. While they have invested in Desmond Ridder, the rookie’s future remains uncertain, and the need for a proven veteran quarterback remains glaring.
Enter Kirk Cousins.
Kirk Cousins: A Proven Veteran with Playoff Experience
Kirk Cousins has been a polarizing figure throughout his career. After entering the NFL in 2012 with the Washington Football Team (formerly known as the Washington Redskins), Cousins slowly built a reputation as a solid, reliable quarterback capable of putting up impressive statistics. His move to the Minnesota Vikings in 2018, however, solidified his place as one of the top quarterbacks in the league, despite some criticism over his ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
Cousins has the necessary credentials: multiple 4,000-yard seasons, a consistent presence in the pocket, and the experience of leading his team to the playoffs. However, one key criticism of Cousins has been his inability to win in the postseason. Despite his statistical success, Cousins’ Vikings have struggled in the playoffs, often falling short of expectations. His inability to win a Super Bowl or make a deep playoff run has earned him the label of a “good, not great” quarterback.
That said, Cousins still represents a clear upgrade over many of the quarterbacks currently starting around the league, including those who are struggling to meet expectations. His leadership, experience, and consistency would make him an attractive option for many teams looking for stability at the quarterback position.
Could the Falcons Pursue Cousins as Their Future?
The idea of the Falcons acquiring Kirk Cousins has sparked heated debate among analysts and fans alike. Some view him as the missing piece that could help the team achieve long-term success, while others question whether his playoff failures are indicative of a larger issue.
On the positive side, Cousins would provide the Falcons with an experienced quarterback who has shown the ability to throw for impressive yardage and touchdowns. Given the team’s already solid offensive core, including running back Bijan Robinson and wide receiver Drake London, Cousins could potentially thrive in the Falcons’ offense, which would allow him to put up solid numbers while giving the team a chance to compete in the NFC South.
Furthermore, Cousins’ presence could allow Desmond Ridder to continue developing without the pressure of starting. Ridder, while showing promise in his first season, has yet to prove himself as a bona fide NFL starter. A veteran like Cousins could help guide him through the early stages of his career while providing the Falcons with the stability they need at quarterback in the short term.
However, the biggest question is whether the Falcons should be considering Cousins at all.
The Case Against Acquiring Kirk Cousins
While Cousins offers solid statistics, a veteran presence, and an ability to perform in the regular season, his postseason performance has left much to be desired. For a team like the Falcons, who are desperate to return to playoff contention, the addition of a quarterback who has struggled in high-pressure situations could prove to be a risky move.
Cousins has played in multiple playoff games but has won only one of them, with his playoff record standing at 1-3. His inability to elevate his play when it matters most has raised questions about whether he can truly be a franchise quarterback capable of leading a team to a Super Bowl. If the Falcons want to compete for a championship in the near future, they may need to look for someone who can excel in the playoffs, not just during the regular season.
Moreover, Cousins’ contract situation complicates matters. He is currently under contract with the Minnesota Vikings, with a hefty salary cap hit, making him difficult to trade for without giving up significant assets. While the Falcons have some cap space, taking on Cousins’ contract could limit their ability to improve other areas of the roster, especially on defense. In a league where the salary cap is always a concern, investing heavily in a quarterback who has shown limited success in the postseason might not be the smartest move.
There is also the issue of the Falcons’ long-term future. If they acquire Cousins, it could delay the development of Desmond Ridder, the young quarterback they have invested in. Ridder has shown glimpses of potential but needs more playing time to develop into a starting-caliber quarterback. Bringing in Cousins could stunt Ridder’s growth and prevent the team from fully evaluating his potential. In the long run, this could hinder the Falcons’ efforts to find a true franchise quarterback.
Should the Falcons Force a Trade?
The idea of forcing Kirk Cousins to accept a trade is a controversial one, and one that would likely draw significant criticism from both fans and analysts. On one hand, the Falcons could look to leverage their cap space and draft picks to bring in a proven veteran like Cousins to bolster their offense and make a playoff push. On the other hand, forcing a trade could be seen as a reckless decision that damages team chemistry and limits the team’s long-term prospects.
If the Falcons were to force a trade, they would need to weigh the potential short-term benefits of adding Cousins against the long-term risk of stalling Ridder’s development. The team would also need to consider the effect that a forced trade could have on Cousins’ morale and willingness to perform. In a sport as mentally demanding as football, a quarterback who feels forced into a situation is unlikely to perform at his best, and that could ultimately hurt the Falcons’ chances of success.
What Would a Trade Look Like?
If the Falcons were to pursue a trade for Cousins, they would likely have to offer the Minnesota Vikings a substantial return. Minnesota is not in any rush to part ways with their starting quarterback, as Cousins still represents a significant asset to the team. Therefore, any trade would need to involve high draft picks or young players with potential.
The Falcons would likely need to offer a combination of their 2025 first-round pick, a second-rounder, and perhaps a player like Ridder (if they’re looking to make a clean break from him). The Vikings would need compensation that makes sense in terms of their rebuilding strategy, so it’s unlikely that the Falcons would be able to pull off a trade for Cousins without parting with significant assets.
Conclusion: Should the Falcons Pursue Cousins?
In the end, the decision to pursue Kirk Cousins is one that the Falcons will have to carefully consider. While Cousins offers experience, stability, and production, his playoff track record raises questions about whether he is truly the answer to the Falcons’ quarterback woes. The team must weigh the pros and cons, considering both short-term gains and long-term potential.
If the Falcons believe that adding Cousins gives them the best chance at playoff contention in the immediate future, they might take the gamble. However, they should also keep in mind that a successful franchise quarterback is not just someone who can throw for yards in the regular season but someone who can lead their team to victory when it counts the most. The Falcons may be better off continuing to develop Ridder and looking for alternative quarterback solutions if they hope to build a sustainable contender.
Ultimately, the question remains: is Kirk Cousins the right quarterback to help the Falcons return to glory? Only time will tell, but for now, the debate continues to rage on.
