As the NFL Draft approaches, the buzz around Kirk Cousins continues to grow. If he’s dealt, who steps in as the new fallback option?
Falcons’ Backup Quarterback Question Looms Larger as Kirk Cousins Trade Rumors Grow Louder
Kirk Cousins Trade Speculation
The buzz behind a potential Kirk Cousins trade has only grown louder since almost a year ago when the team drafted Michael Penix. Cousins played well through his first few games, even breaking the franchise record in passing yards in a game versus Tampa Bay. However, his play worsened, and Penix was starting by the end of the season. With Cousins making so much money on his large contract with the Falcons, normally it would be an easy decision for both parties that the quarterback get traded.
However, Kirk’s no-trade clause makes this tricky. Cousins would have to uplift the trade clause himself for the Falcons to move him. The team cannot lift it on behalf of Cousins. The league is waiting to see what he decides, but he will likely decide to lift the clause sometime before the NFL Draft. If Cousins does decide to do this, where does he go? And what do the Falcons get?
What Would Atlanta Get?
The Falcons would likely use Kirk Cousins in a trade package to move up in the NFL Draft if his clause is lifted. The Cleveland Browns desperately need a Deshaun Watson replacement. Expect to see them being one of the first teams to ring in for the quarterback. Their first-round pick at number 2 overall would be a steep grab for Cousins. The package would likely include Cousins and a fourth-round pick for the Browns pick at 33 in the second round.
There aren’t many teams in the league with a major need for Cousins on their roster. Many spots have been filled out, like the Raiders and Geno Smith or the Giants and Russell Wilson/Jameis Winston. However, the Steelers could also be a team interested in the quarterback. The team has already made some major moves in trying to improve their offense by going out and getting DK Metcalf. Recent rumors indicate that the Steelers might trade up to grab Shedeur Sanders instead, but if that falls through, a trade with the Falcons would likely happen.
Potential Suitors for QB2
Do not expect Atlanta to try and fill Kirk’s shoes with a big-name player. This upcoming draft is a deep one, with plenty of talent expected to be available late. Even if Kirk is not traded by draft night, do not be surprised if Atlanta decides to bolster its depth chart a bit and grab a quarterback on day 3.
Many names are expected to still be available on day three, like Jalen Milroe or Quinn Ewers. Right now, the only quarterbacks Atlanta would have on the roster if Kirk was to be moved are Michael Penix and Emory Jones. If Cousins is traded, it is obvious they would need to fill that hole with somebody and soon. The NFL Draft would make too much sense for Atlanta to pass on.
Main Photo: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
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