The Atlanta Falcons are 1-2 after a 30-0 Week 3 loss to the Carolina Panthers, but the team remains committed to building around sophomore QB Michael Penix Jr. and their young core. Amid all this, one veteran quarterback continues to be a topic of trade speculation, and one PFSN analyst believes the Falcons could move him before the deadline.
Why Are Falcons Predicted To Trade Kirk Cousins?
The Falcons signed Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal in 2024, which included a $50 million signing bonus and $100 million guaranteed. Coming off a strong run with the Vikings, Atlanta had every reason to believe he would lead the franchise forward.
Instead, Cousins was benched after a 7-7 start as first-round pick Michael Penix Jr. quickly seized control of the offense. Despite seeing some action in Week 3, the Falcons appear ready to move on, with PFSN’s Tim Crean suggesting it would be wise to recoup draft assets while they still can.
And with quarterback injuries mounting across the league, Atlanta could have an ideal window to trade Cousins despite his hefty $40 million-per-year contract.
“With names like Joe Burrow, Brock Purdy, and J.J. McCarthy already out with injuries and possibly more to follow, the Falcons may be able to move Cousins, even with his $40 million per year contract,” Crean wrote.
Beyond the quarterback situation, Atlanta’s roster is clearly in transition. With a core of young talent on both sides of the ball, and several veterans nearing free agency or past their prime, the Falcons appear better suited to retool for the future rather than chase wins in 2025.
“After dropping to 1-2 following a horrific 30-0 loss to the Carolina Panthers, it seems clear that the 2025 Falcons aren’t ready for prime time,” Crean added. “However, with Michael Penix Jr., Bijan Robinson, and Drake London on offense and James Pearce Jr. and Jalon Walker on defense, all 25 and under, the team should punt on this season and pick up more draft assets.”
“Tyler Allgeier, Kyle Pitts, David Onyemata, Leonard Floyd, and Kaden Elliss are all free agents after the season, and the latter three are on the wrong side of 30, so they don’t necessarily fit Atlanta’s timeline as well as they would for a contender.”
As is evident by the three games this season, and as Crean pointed out, the Falcons are in a rebuilding phase, and could view the trade deadline as a key opportunity to extract value from veterans like Cousins, while giving Penix and the young core the chance to develop.
By converting expiring contracts into draft picks, the Falcons can accelerate their timeline without compromising their long-term potential.