Falcons QB Kirk Cousins tipped for shock trade after just one season in Atlanta
- Kirk Cousins signed a big four-year contract with the team earlier this year
Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins is only in his first season with the team, but a few NFL reporters have speculated that a trade involving the passer could happen at the end of the season.
Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million contract with Atlanta in March — including $100 million guaranteed — but the team confused fans the following month when they drafted quarterback Michael Penix No. 8 overall out of Washington.
And with the 6-5 Falcons uncertain of making the postseason, ESPN’s Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler believe a quarterback change could be on the cards depending on how the next six games go.
“It remains to be seen how things will turn out in Atlanta, but it hasn’t gone as great as the Falcons expected,” Graziano wrote in a ESPN+ column.
“And Michael Penix Jr., the first-round pick, is right there behind him, about to turn 25 in May. Could the Falcons make Cousins available in a trade after just one season if they think Penix is ready to go? He would be an interesting pickup for a team that thinks it’s close.”
Kirk Cousins is only in the first year of a four-year, $180 million contract he signed in March
He has played pretty well, but the team is 6-5 and Michael Penix Jr. wait in the wings
The Falcons drafted Penix with the No. 8 overall pick last spring and he is currently the backup
Fowler added that the next six weeks could “determine a lot about Cousins’ future,” adding that the 36-year-old would be in a trade market should Atlanta decide to move him.
“Fortunately, Atlanta doesn’t have to do anything at this point,” Fowler continued. “And Cousins could very well remain in the Falcons uniform if the next six games go well.”
Fowler added that Cousins - if moved – would prefer to go to a contending team, which would take down the quarterback-needy Giants and Raiders.
Cousins has played quite well this season as his 255.2 passing yards per game is fourth-best among passers and he has also thrown for 17 touchdowns.
However, he has also thrown nine interceptions, a number surpassed by only five players to date.
Cousins also hasn’t had a touchdown pass in the team’s last two games, both losses.
After the Falcons’ Week 12 bye, they will look to get back on track this weekend against the Chargers.