Falcons’ Kirk Cousins ​​is expected to be among the top trade pieces of 2025

Although he let his team limp into the bye week, quarterback Kirk Cousins ​​is a big reason why the Atlanta Falcons are in first place of the NFC South heading into Thanksgiving. But that apparently isn’t enough to save him from trade rumors.

Bleacher Report’s David Kenyon on Saturday ranked his top 7 trades for the 2025 offseason. Cousins ​​landed on the list at number 7.

“Rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr., the eighth overall pick of the 2024 draft, is considered the future of the Atlanta Falcons. But what is the timeline?” Kenyon asked.

Atlanta made its biggest splash in free agency last offseason, adding Kirk Cousins ​​to a four-year, $180 million contract. However, a month later the Falcons selected Penix. They clearly plan to sign him at to take control of the team at some point, which usually happens in a short period of time with top-10 picks.

“The upside for Atlanta is that it currently sits atop the NFC South and a playoff bid seems likely. Why rush to make changes in such a bad division – one that isn’t expected to see much in 2025 will improve?

“On the other hand, why be afraid to let Penix go if the staff thinks he’s ready? Cousins ​​has a $40 million cap hit next season, but he’s still effective enough to be a have a legitimate trading market.”

Kenyon added that what the Falcons want to do at quarterback will be one of the most intriguing storylines of the 2025 offseason.

Cousins ​​has played extremely well in most of Atlanta’s wins this season. But when he hasn’t played well, the Falcons have lost a lot.

Of course, that’s pretty much the norm for every quarterback in the NFL.

Cousins ​​is tied for the most in the NFL with three fourth-quarter comebacks. He has completed 68.1% of his passes with 17 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. He has also averaged 7.8 yards per attempt, which is his best average since 2020.

Cousins’ four-year, $180 million contract may expire after the 2025 season. Yes, the Falcons could trade him next offseason, but that could result in the team losing a large portion of their salary cap spend on Cousins, depending on the terms of the trade.

Cousins’ dead cap hit next season is a whopping $65 million. But that drops to $25 million in 2026 and then $12.5 million in 2027.

There is little debate that Cousins ​​is a potential trade chip. But that really just says he has value on the trade market. That doesn’t mean the Falcons will have any interest in acquiring him.

When the 36-year-old quarterback signed with the Falcons, it truly appeared to be a two-year contract, with the possibility of longer depending on his level of play. For me, nothing has happened this season to change that plan.