The Atlanta Falcons signed Kirk Cousins to a $180 million contract and shortly after drafted Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Cousins was expected to be the starter, with Penix learning behind him. However, by the end of the season, Cousins was benched in favor of Penix.
This left the Falcons stuck with a hefty contract while trying to find a trade partner. Their last option fell through when Aaron Rodgers signed with the Steelers.
“That stinks for Cousins, and the Falcons may not be too thrilled about running out of trade options either. While Atlanta has said it is ‘comfortable’ keeping Cousins around as its backup, general manager Terry Fontenot can't be eager to hand out a $27.5 million salary to his QB2,” Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox wrote.
Cousins has admitted that, had he known the Falcons were going to bring in Penix, he might have stayed in Minnesota, as there was no reason to leave.
“Certainly, if I had that information around free agency, it would've affected my decision. I had no reason to leave Minnesota, with how much we loved it there, if both teams were going to be drafting a quarterback high. But I've also learned in 12 years in this league that you're not entitled to anything — it's all about earning your spot and proving yourself,” Cousins said.
CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin recently proposed a wild four-team trade sending Cousins to the 49ers, with Atlanta receiving center Matt Hennessy and a Saints fifth-round pick.
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“The 49ers just paid Purdy, which is completely understandable, but we know Kyle Shanahan has an affinity for his old pal Cousins, and we know Cousins is currently blowing in the wind, awaiting an opportunity as Atlanta's No. 2. The Purdy-to-Cousins swap might be a downgrade in 2025, but adding a couple of early-round picks could help San Francisco replenish its greater infrastructure,” Benjamin wrote.
If this deal goes through, the Falcons would finally shed Cousins’ contract and fill a major positional need. Cousins would get a fresh start as the starter in San Francisco, with Purdy headed to the Dolphins.