Kirk Cousins Top Landing Spots: 2025 NFL Trade Outlook

Mike Fanelli looks at various possible trade destinations for backup Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins. Could any team take a chance on the veteran?

The Atlanta Falcons shocked the football world during the 2024 NFL Draft. Despite signing Kirk Cousins to a massive contract in free agency, the Falcons used the eighth overall pick on Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr.

Atlanta planned for Cousins to start in 2025 and 2026 before handing the job to Penix beginning in 2027. However, the veteran severely struggled last season, ultimately getting benched before the Falcons’ Week 16 matchup against the New York Giants.

Therefore, many expected Atlanta to release Cousins this offseason. However, the veteran quarterback remains on the roster despite Penix being the clear-cut starter. Where could Cousins land this offseason? Let’s look at five potential landing spots.

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The Situation

Before we get into Cousins’ potential landing spots, let’s dive more into the situation. Last year, Cousins had a 7-7 record as the starter. He completed 66.9 percent of his pass attempts for 3,508 yards and 18 touchdowns in 14 games. However, the veteran also had 16 interceptions, the most in the NFL, despite getting benched for the final three contests.

Many expected the Falcons to release Cousins before the start of free agency. He still wants to start, while the team has moved on to Penix. While some thought Atlanta could try to trade the veteran quarterback, the overwhelming belief was Cousins would be a free agent this offseason.

Last week, the Falcons guaranteed the veteran quarterback a $10 million roster bonus for the 2026 season. The team could have gotten out of the bonus had it released him before the March 15 trigger date. Yet, Atlanta has held onto Cousins, hoping it can trade him to a quarterback-needy team before the NFL Draft.

Sources: The Falcons officially will be keeping QB Kirk Cousins on their roster past 4 PM eastern today, triggering a guarantee on a $10M roster bonus that is due in 2026, sources told ESPN’s Field Yates and me. pic.twitter.com/Up9vqdiGCQ

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2025

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers had one of the worst quarterback situations in the NFL last season. Justin Fields started the first six games before getting benched when Russell Wilson was healthy. While the team made the playoffs, its lack of quarterback production led to it losing in the first round of the postseason.

Pittsburgh lost Justin Fields early in free agency, with the former Ohio State star signing a two-year deal worth $40 million with the New York Jets. Meanwhile, Wilson is still a free agent and could return if the Steelers don’t land Aaron Rodgers.

However, Wilson and Rodgers have other suitors. Therefore, Pittsburgh might head into the NFL Draft with Mason Rudolph as the starting quarterback. Unfortunately, the Steelers don’t pick until 21st overall, making them a prime candidate to trade for Cousins if the Falcons are willing to move him.

New York Giants

Last year was one to forget for the Giants and their fans. Daniel Jones started the season but was benched and eventually released. Meanwhile, Drew Lock started five games, going 1-4 as the starter. Tommy DeVito also started two games, losing both matchups, while Tim Boyle had 24 pass attempts for the team in 2024.

Unfortunately, New York won the meaningless Week 17 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, keeping it from landing a top-2 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. By picking third overall, the Giants could miss out on Cameron Ward and Shedeur Sanders. Meanwhile, DeVito is currently the only quarterback on the roster after re-signing with the team this offseason.

Giants re-signing QB Tommy DeVito. (via @MikeGarafolo) pic.twitter.com/hn1NRbDrx6

— NFL (@NFL) March 6, 2025

New York is a potential landing spot for Aaron Rodgers. However, many around the league believe the future Hall of Famer will sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers. If the Giants can’t trade up for one of the top rookie quarterback prospects, they will likely try to acquire Cousins.

Cleveland Browns

Deshaun Watson is still a member of the Browns. However, he suffered a torn Achilles last season. Furthermore, the veteran re-tore the same Achilles earlier this offseason, likely keeping him from playing again until 2026. While Watson is under contract for three more years, he might never start again for Cleveland.

Earlier this offseason, the Browns traded for Kenny Pickett. They sent the Philadelphia Eagles Dorian Thompson-Robinson and a 2025 fifth-round pick for the former Pittsburgh star. Last year, Pickett had some productive moments replacing an injured Jalen Hurts. However, he is far from a starting-caliber quarterback, leaving Cleveland with limited options on the roster.

While the Browns could draft a quarterback with the second overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, many believe the team would prioritize Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter over Shedeur Sanders. It could re-sign Jameis Winston. However, the veteran got benched late last season. Therefore, Cousins could be an appealing one-year stopgap option for the team.

Minnesota Vikings

Could Cousins return to Minnesota after spending last year in Atlanta? The Vikings signed Sam Darnold shortly after losing Cousins in free agency last year before using a top-10 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on J.J. McCarthy. Unfortunately, the former Michigan star missed his rookie season after suffering a torn meniscus in the preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Thankfully, Darnold had a career year in Minnesota. He finished 14-3 as the starter, completing 66.2 percent of his pass attempts for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, making his first career Pro Bowl team. However, the veteran signed with the Seattle Seahawks in free agency, leaving McCarthy and Brett Rypien as the only quarterbacks on the Vikings roster.

Reportedly, Aaron Rodgers wanted to play in Minnesota this upcoming season. However, the Vikings are prepared to move forward with McCarthy despite him missing his rookie year with an injury. Yet, the team wants to add a veteran behind the second-year pro. If Cousins is willing to accept a backup role, why not do it in Minnesota with his former head coach and teammates?

The #Vikings have rejected multiple trade calls on J.J. McCarthy, telling other teams they’re moving forward with him as their quarterback, sources say.

The team plans to add a veteran. But they’re not pursuing Aaron Rodgers at this time. McCarthy now enters the offseason as… pic.twitter.com/oPf6DIvQpj

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 19, 2025

Tennessee Titans

The Titans have the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Many expect them to select Cameron Ward as the top pick. However, the team could give Will Levis another year under center despite struggling last season. Furthermore, Tennessee might explore trading down with the New York Giants.

By trading down from first to third overall, the Titans could still draft Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter while adding multiple significant draft picks. However, that would leave them with no solid starting option at quarterback, with Levis and Brandon Allen as the only two passers on the roster. Yet, Cousins would be a good fit in head coach Brian Callahan’s offense.

Tennessee could acquire the veteran quarterback, giving it a solid starting option in 2025. Trading for Cousins would allow the Titans to trade down with the Giants, add a superstar prospect, and acquire draft capital for 2026, where many experts believe the quarterback class will offer significantly more upside.

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