Is Kirk Cousins’ Demotion Behind Penix Jr. Signal of Upcoming Trade to Vikings?

Kirk Cousins reportedly requested a commerce after the 2025 NFL Draft, however that didn’t come to fruition. The Atlanta Falcons at the moment are in the midst of an uproaring quarterback controversy, with the veteran passer more and more agitated about his current state of affairs.

Having signed a high-paying four-year contract final offseason, Cousins was tabbed to spearhead the Falcons’ offense. Yet his latest benching by rookie Michael Penix Jr. left everybody questioning what the long run holds for the erstwhile Pro Bowler.

Cousins Wants to Start, But Falcons Are Resistant

Cousins made it as plain as day: he desires to start out quarterbacking within the NFL. With the Falcons decided to develop Penix Jr. into their franchise quarterback, although, Atlanta appears completely happy heading into the 2025 season with Cousins sitting on the bench, in response to ClutchPoints.

Trading him, nevertheless, is not fairly really easy. The financial prices of executing a commerce of his contract could be substantial, leaving Atlanta to take its time.

Although Cousins’ availability as a high-priced reserve is lower than excellent, the Falcons will not be prepared to devour lifeless cap {dollars} until a deal they can’t refuse arises. That leaves room for a possible commerce, however provided that one other workforce is determined sufficient for a veteran starter with a confirmed observe file.

Trade Market for Cousins: Slim But Not Impossible

The largest hindrance to any potential commerce of Kirk Cousins is demand. There simply aren’t numerous groups that want a beginning quarterback presently. The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of many few reported vacation spot groups, however even that might take an ideal storm.

ESPN thought-about two doable commerce propositions involving Cousins and his earlier workforce, the Minnesota Vikings. But these recommendations got here to a halt instantly.

Cousins has a no-trade clause and isn’t prepared to return to Minnesota, significantly whether it is to function a backup to a different younger QB like J.J. McCarthy, a situation hauntingly acquainted to his current state of affairs in Atlanta.

As ESPN’s Marc Raimondi identified, “Even if he liked living there, this would essentially be the same deal as Atlanta. Executing his no-trade clause, Cousins would probably veto the Vikings.”

OTAs Snub Raises Eyebrows

Adding gasoline to the hearth, Cousins has not but participated in voluntary Organized Team Activities (OTAs), indicating his unhappiness in regards to the state of affairs. His absence is not stunning contemplating the continuing drama, however it’s a particular indicator that he isn’t pleased with what he is being given.

Since being benched in Week 16 final season, the connection between Cousins and the Falcons has been strained. The entrance workplace, in the meantime, seems centered on the long run with Penix Jr., regardless of the monetary dedication they made to Cousins.