Heading into training camp, the Atlanta Falcons have yet to move off Kirk Cousins. That leaves Michael Penix Jr. with the most expensive backup in NFL history behind him.
That may not change anytime soon. Just before the 2025 NFL Draft, both GM Terry Fontenot and head coach Raheem Morris expressed a desire to keep Cousins on the roster. It appears they weren’t bluffing.
Still, should an intriguing opportunity arise, the Falcons could be open to a deal. At this point, though, it might take a rare three-team trade to make it happen.
In a hypothetical scenario pitched by Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski, the Falcons, Saints, and Bills come together on a blockbuster move that would send Cousins to New Orleans. Atlanta would receive tight end Dawson Knox from Buffalo, while the Bills would land veteran safety Tyrann Mathieu.
“For the Falcons, they're looking at the situation much like the Philadelphia Eagles once did with Donovan McNabb,” Sobleski wrote. “Atlanta already benched Cousins last year. He turns 37 later this summer and probably isn't going to elevate the New Orleans Saints enough to threaten them in the division this year.
“Also, the Falcons are all-in with Michael Penix Jr., and they couldn't bluff their way into an earlier Cousins trade. So, a deal remains a possibility.”
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A Cousins trade within the NFC South would be rare — especially between bitter rivals — but the Saints are now among the NFL’s most desperate teams at quarterback following Derek Carr’s sudden retirement.
The return for Atlanta wouldn’t be massive in Knox, but it could provide a future replacement for Kyle Pitts, especially if the Falcons decide to move off him this year or next when his contract expires.
“Finally, the Falcons replace Kyle Pitts with Dawson Knox,” Sobleski added. “The Bills previously spent a first-round pick on fellow tight end Dalton Kincaid. Knox turns 29 later this year and his production has dipped the last two seasons. As long as he remains healthy, though, he can still be a dependable contributor for Atlanta.
“Even if Pitts isn't dealt as previously suggested, Knox can operate in 12 personnel this year and likely take the starting spot a year from now.”
As Sobleski pointed out, three-team trades are almost nonexistent in the NFL compared to other major leagues. But as younger, more aggressive general managers look to make bold moves, these scenarios may become more plausible. Fontenot, who could be on the hot seat if the Falcons miss the playoffs for a eighth straight season, has shown a willingness to take risks — though he’s yet to see one pay off.