Falcons QB Kirk Cousins Faces Trade Uncertainty Amid Penix Ascendancy

Kirk Cousins, the Atlanta Falcons quarterback who signed a four-year, $180 million contract last March, has been absent from the team's voluntary OTAs amid growing speculation about his departure. The Falcons, having drafted Michael Penix Jr. as their future starter, face a financial dilemma with Cousins’ $40 million cap hit and his desire to start elsewhere complicating trade possibilities. Head coach Raheem Morris and GM Terry Fontenot have expressed openness to trade offers but are prepared to retain Cousins as a backup if no deal arises; however, Cousins’ no-trade clause gives him control over any potential move. The Pittsburgh Steelers, dealing with uncertainty around Aaron Rodgers’ future, have emerged as the most likely trade destination for Cousins, who could serve as a reliable veteran option if Rodgers retires or declines to sign. Despite this, the Falcons have been reluctant to lower their asking price, and Cousins’ holdout from voluntary workouts signals his dissatisfaction, adding pressure on the Falcons to find a resolution. Fans and analysts widely expect Cousins to be on a new team by the start of the NFL season, with Pittsburgh as the leading candidate contingent on Rodgers’ decision.