The QB carousel has slowed with free agency winding down as teams wait for decisions from stars like Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers. However, one NFL insider reports that trade talks have picked up involving two quarterbacks who started the 2024 season as starters but likely won’t be in 2025.
Could these quarterbacks get a fresh start elsewhere?
2025 QB Carousel: Which Quarterbacks Are Available for Trade?
NFL insider Josina Anderson recently reported that Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins and Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis have been discussed in early trade talks. While nothing appears to be imminent, it’s clear that both teams are looking to move on from their current situations.
Evening Notes: The offseason Carousel continues to churn.
I was just told these two quarterback names came up in recent preliminary* trade inquiries or internal discussions, per a league source: Kirk Cousins and Will Levis.
“Atlanta has been getting calls.”
(I heard talk of a… pic.twitter.com/fxBfHDiada— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 19, 2025
Unsurprisingly, both quarterbacks are in trade rumors, as their respective teams have good reasons to move on.
Kirk Cousins
The Falcons benched Cousins after he threw a career-high 16 interceptions in 14 games during his first season in Atlanta. According to PFSN’s QB+ metrics, his 2024 QB+ score of 71.2 (C-) ranked 24th among quarterbacks, placing him near the bottom of the league. Michael Penix Jr. took over as the starter in Week 16, playing well in the Falcons’ final three games — making it almost certain he will be QB1 in 2025 and beyond.
The Falcons find themselves in a challenging position this offseason. While they would love to move on from Cousins’ massive four-year, $180 million contract and give Penix Jr. complete control, trading Cousins won’t be easy. If no team wants to take on his contract, do they release the veteran QB? Or is it worth keeping him as a bridge while Penix Jr. continues to develop?
Will Levis
Unlike Cousins, Levis’ trade rumors come as no surprise at all. The Titans are actively trying to move on from the former second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. While Levis lacks the pedigree of a veteran, he doesn’t carry a massive contract, making him a potential low-risk option for teams willing to take a chance on a 25-year-old quarterback.
Levis struggled mightily in his second NFL season. According to PFSN’s QB+ metrics, he posted a 61.9 (D-) grade, ranking 34th among all quarterbacks. It’s safe to say that Levis won’t be leading the Titans’ offense in 2025.
Adding to the uncertainty, the Titans hold the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. With only Levis and Brandon Allen on the depth chart, it would be shocking if they didn’t draft a quarterback with the top selection.
Will Cousins, Levis Join QB Carousel?
While Atlanta and Tennessee are eager to move on, the question remains: Is there a market for Cousins or Levis? Trade talks have begun, but their futures remain uncertain.
Could a fresh start revive Cousins’ career? Is Levis just one move away from proving he belongs? Or will both watch from the sidelines as their teams move on?
The QB carousel is still spinning, and now it’s just a matter of who will take the ride.