Kirk Cousins’ strong Vikings connection may offer the Falcons a potential trade option, enhancing their quarterback situation for 2025.

As the NFL continues to evolve, quarterback play remains the most critical factor for success in the league. Over the years, the position has become more essential, and teams are constantly searching for ways to improve their quarterback situation. One team that could potentially benefit from an upgrade under center is the Atlanta Falcons. After several seasons of inconsistency at the position, the Falcons have a chance to address their needs by exploring trade options. One intriguing possibility that has emerged is a potential trade for veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, whose connection with the Minnesota Vikings could give the Falcons an inside track on a deal that could significantly enhance their quarterback situation moving forward.

Kirk Cousins has been one of the more polarizing quarterbacks in the NFL in recent seasons, regularly putting up impressive stats but often falling short of the playoff success that many expect from a quarterback of his caliber. Nevertheless, Cousins has established himself as one of the most productive and consistent quarterbacks in the league. With the Minnesota Vikings continuing to evolve under head coach Kevin O’Connell and the rise of other quarterbacks around the league, Cousins’ future in Minnesota has been a topic of speculation. For the Atlanta Falcons, this could represent an opportunity to acquire a proven quarterback who could potentially lead the team to success in 2025 and beyond.

In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why Kirk Cousins’ strong Vikings connection could give the Falcons a potential trade option. We’ll examine Cousins’ career, the Falcons’ quarterback situation, and how a trade could benefit both sides. Ultimately, we’ll look at how Cousins could help the Falcons become a playoff contender, making a compelling case for why the Falcons should pursue him.

1. Kirk Cousins’ Career: A Proven Quarterback in the NFL

To understand why Kirk Cousins could be an appealing trade target for the Atlanta Falcons, it’s important to first examine his career and what he brings to the table. Since entering the NFL in 2012, Cousins has been a model of consistency. Over the years, he has demonstrated his ability to put up impressive statistics, including multiple 4,000-yard seasons, numerous touchdown passes, and solid quarterback ratings.

Cousins’ career began with the Washington Football Team (now Washington Commanders), where he spent six seasons as the starting quarterback. During that time, he made a name for himself as a reliable and steady option under center. Despite some early struggles with consistency, Cousins consistently put up solid numbers, including his first Pro Bowl appearance in 2016.

In 2018, Cousins signed a landmark three-year, $84 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings. His tenure in Minnesota has been marked by productive seasons, including multiple 4,000-yard campaigns, but also by a lack of postseason success. Despite his regular-season numbers, Cousins’ inability to consistently win in the playoffs has led to questions about his potential as a long-term solution for the Vikings.

That said, Cousins’ ability to put up impressive stats and his knack for leading productive offenses cannot be ignored. Over the course of his career, he has demonstrated poise, accuracy, and leadership qualities that have earned him respect around the league. Though he may never be considered an elite quarterback like Patrick Mahomes or Aaron Rodgers, Cousins is widely regarded as a top-15 signal caller in the NFL, and that alone could make him a valuable asset for a team like the Falcons.

2. The Atlanta Falcons’ Quarterback Situation

For the Atlanta Falcons, the quarterback position has been a constant source of frustration in recent years. The team’s struggles under center have hindered their ability to consistently compete for playoff spots, despite having a solid roster in other areas. While the Falcons have had various quarterbacks take the reins, including Matt Ryan for many years, they have been unable to find a long-term solution in recent seasons.

In 2021, Matt Ryan’s tenure with the Falcons came to an end, and the team began its search for a new quarterback. They initially turned to former first-round pick Marcus Mariota, who had a modest but unspectacular stint as the starter. After the 2022 season, Mariota was replaced by rookie Desmond Ridder, who showed some promise but remains an unproven commodity in his first full season as a starter.

While Ridder has the potential to develop into a solid starter, the Falcons may not be in a position to wait for that development. With an offense that boasts exciting playmakers like running back Bijan Robinson, wide receiver Drake London, and tight end Kyle Pitts, the Falcons could be looking for a quarterback who can step in immediately and elevate the team’s chances of competing for the postseason.

This is where Kirk Cousins comes in. If the Falcons decide that they are ready to make a push for the playoffs in 2025, they could look to trade for a veteran quarterback who can provide stability and leadership. Cousins, with his proven track record of success, could provide the Falcons with just that. His ability to lead an offense, manage games effectively, and produce solid statistics would be a major boost for a team that has been inconsistent at quarterback in recent years.

3. Why the Vikings Could Trade Kirk Cousins

While Kirk Cousins’ future in Minnesota has been the subject of speculation for some time, there are several reasons why the Vikings might be open to trading him in the near future. One of the biggest factors at play is the financial aspect of Cousins’ contract. As of the 2024 season, Cousins is on a fully guaranteed one-year deal with the Vikings, and his contract is set to expire after the season. This means that the Vikings will have to make a decision about his future with the team.

The Vikings could decide to move forward with Cousins for the 2025 season, but with the team’s current cap situation and the rise of young quarterbacks around the league, it’s also possible that the Vikings could look to make a change. They could choose to invest in a younger quarterback through the draft or explore the possibility of a trade that could net them additional assets for the future.

Additionally, with the Vikings continuing to build their roster around young stars like Justin Jefferson and the potential for other moves in the offseason, the team may feel that moving on from Cousins and his contract could allow them to reallocate resources to other areas. A trade could also provide the Vikings with a fresh start at quarterback, as the team looks to elevate its chances of contention in the coming seasons.

While trading Cousins would certainly come with risks, especially given his ability to put up strong numbers, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that the Vikings would consider moving him. If they do, the Atlanta Falcons could be one of the teams interested in making a deal.

4. Why the Falcons Should Pursue Kirk Cousins

Given the Vikings’ potential openness to trading Cousins, the Falcons should seriously consider making a move for the veteran quarterback. There are several compelling reasons why Cousins would be a great fit for the Falcons.

First and foremost, Cousins has a track record of producing solid numbers and leading offenses that can score points. The Falcons have a young and talented offense, but they need a quarterback who can maximize that talent. Cousins’ experience and ability to make quick decisions would allow the Falcons to hit the ground running in 2025, particularly with key players like London, Pitts, and Robinson in place.

Second, Cousins is a reliable and durable quarterback. Unlike some of the more injury-prone quarterbacks in the league, Cousins has consistently stayed healthy throughout his career. This would be a welcome change for a Falcons team that has dealt with inconsistent quarterback play due to injuries in recent years.

Finally, Cousins’ leadership and experience in big games would be invaluable to a team like the Falcons, which is looking to take the next step in its development. Cousins has been through the highs and lows of the NFL, and his ability to stay composed under pressure would be crucial for a young team like the Falcons.