The Atlanta Falcons signed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to a lucrative four-year, $180 million contract last offseason in hopes of bringing a Super Bowl to Atlanta.
Instead, Cousins was benched in favor of rookie QB Michael Penix Jr. in Week 16 after a disappointing start to the year. Penix finished out the season with a 1-2 record, as both of the losses came in overtime against the Washington Commanders and Carolina Panthers.
Penix showed in Week 18 that he has the potential to be the Falcons’ long-term answer, recording 312 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. If that’s the case, Atlanta’s front office should look to move on from Cousins in the near future, but what team would want a benched veteran QB with a pricey contract?
NFL Analyst Reveals Surprise Team for Kirk Cousins
While a handful of rebuilding organizations could benefit from Cousins’ services for a year or two, the most intriguing destination is the Pittsburgh Steelers.
NFL analyst Maurice Moton of Bleacher Report pitched the Steelers move their 2025 fourth-round pick and edge rusher Preston Smith in exchange for Cousins.
“Like the New York Giants, the Pittsburgh Steelers don’t have a quarterback under contract beyond the 2024 season,” Moton wrote. “Pittsburgh may not offer [Russell] Wilson a new contract, and [Justin] Fields could look elsewhere for a better chance to start for at least a full season.”
The other four landing spots Bleacher Report suggested for Cousins are the Giants, New York Jets, Las Vegas Raiders, and Cleveland Browns. As Moton noted, a QB room that started the year full of competition will empty this offseason. Neither Russell Wilson nor Justin Fields is under contract for next season in Pittsburgh.
“The Steelers can weigh several quarterback options if they allow Wilson and Fields to test free agency,” Moton continued. “With a veteran-laden roster, Pittsburgh may favor a highly experienced signal-caller. Cousins would certainly fit that criterion with 159 career starts.”
No Guarantee Falcons Will Trade Cousins
It could be in Atlanta’s best interest to keep Cousins on the roster to act as a mentor and strong backup to Penix. In fact, Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot recently spoke highly of the idea of bringing Cousins back.
“We are very comfortable moving forward with (Cousins) as backup,” Fontenot said. “Kirk is a great man, and he’s been great support for Mike. We are very comfortable moving forward with him as the backup.”
In regards to potentially moving on from Cousins via trade, Fontenot said, “We will take those things as they come.”
Cousins has always been praised as a strong leader, meaning he’s sure to contribute in a positive manner regardless of his role.