The Atlanta Falcons’ quarterback Kirk Cousins may be on the move yet again, with rumors swirling of a potential trade to the division rival New Orleans Saints. Cousins’ stint with the Falcons, which began just last year, could be coming to an end before it even truly began.
The 30-year-old quarterback joined the Falcons in 2020 after spending six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. He was brought in to replace long-time Falcons QB Matt Ryan, who was rumored to be nearing retirement. However, Ryan’s strong performance last season kept him in the starting role, leaving Cousins as the backup.
But with the recent trade proposal linking Cousins to the QB-needy Saints, it seems that his time in Atlanta may be cut short.
The trade proposal, which was first reported by NFL insider Ian Rapoport, suggests that the Falcons would send Cousins to the Saints in exchange for a first-round draft pick and a player to be named later. This would be a major move for both teams, as the Falcons would receive valuable assets in return for a backup quarterback, while the Saints would finally have a veteran QB to lead their team.
For the Falcons, this trade proposal could be seen as a win-win situation. They would not only receive a valuable draft pick, but they would also get rid of Cousins’ hefty contract. The quarterback is currently signed to a three-year, $84 million deal, which could be a burden for the Falcons’ salary cap. By trading him away, they would free up valuable cap space to sign new players and improve their roster.
On the other hand, the Saints have been in desperate need of a quarterback since the retirement of their franchise player, Drew Brees. They have been relying on the unproven Taysom Hill and Jameis Winston to lead their team, but neither has been able to fill the void left by Brees. Adding Cousins to their roster would provide some much-needed stability and experience at the quarterback position.
The trade proposal also makes sense from Cousins’ perspective. While he may have had high hopes for his time in Atlanta, it is clear that he will not be given the opportunity to start as long as Ryan is still playing at a high level. A move to the Saints would give him a chance to compete for the starting role and potentially lead a team to the playoffs.
Of course, nothing is set in stone yet. The trade proposal is just that – a proposal. Both teams would need to agree to the terms and Cousins would have to waive his no-trade clause, which he has stated he is willing to do. But if the trade does go through, it would be a major shakeup in the NFC South and could potentially shift the balance of power in the division.
For Falcons fans, it may be disappointing to see Cousins leave after such a short time with the team. However, it is important to remember that football is a business and teams must make decisions that are in their best interest. With the trade proposal offering valuable assets in return, it would be a smart move for the Falcons to part ways with Cousins.
As for Cousins, a fresh start with the Saints could be just what he needs to revitalize his career. He has proven himself to be a capable quarterback in the past, and with a strong supporting cast in New Orleans, he could excel and silence his critics.
In the end, only time will tell if this trade proposal will come to fruition. But one thing is for sure – it has already caused quite a stir in the football world. Whether or not Cousins ends up in New Orleans, it is clear that his stint with the Falcons may be coming to an end. But as they say, when one door closes, another one opens. And for Cousins, a move to the Saints could be the start of a new and exciting chapter in his career.
