Main Photo: Dale Zanine Imagn Images

Falcons, Saints Connected In 'Shocking' In-Division Trade

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By David Latham | Last updated Jun 12, 2025 2:00 PM ET

The Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints are division rivals, but that may not stop them from agreeing to a Kirk Cousins trade. Signed to a massive four-year contract in the 2024 offseason, Atlanta surprised everyone when they selected quarterback Michael Penix in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. This decision proved to be a wise one, as Cousins struggled throughout most of the season and eventually lost the starting job. With Penix looking to build on his promising debut, Cousins is currently the most expensive backup quarterback in football.

Rather than cut him, the Falcons have held on to Kirk Cousins throughout the offseason in hopes that a trade could materialize. Now, Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay believes that the New Orleans Saints are the best landing spot for the $180 million man. In a recent article, the analyst proposed a trade that would send Cousins to the Saints in exchange for Spencer Rattler, a 2026 fifth-round pick, and a 2027 sixth-round pick.

“New Orleans is running out of options to fix a QB room that consists of second-round pick Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler, and Jake Haener,” Kay writes. “If the club wants to compete in 2025, it must swing a trade for Kirk Cousins – the last remaining proven veteran who is realistically available.”

Dec 22, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) and quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) run on the field before a game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Falcons, Saints Connected In Kirk Cousins Trade Rumor

If the Falcons are going to trade Kirk Cousins, the Saints are the most likely destination. Following the surprise retirement of quarterback Derek Carr, Kellen Moore’s offense is now in the hands of three untested arms. Shough has potential as a second-round pick, but he’ll be 26 before he plays his first NFL snap. Rattler and Haener, meanwhile, filled in for an injured Carr last year and went a combined 0-7 in their seven starts. Rattler showed some signs of life, but Haener left a lot to be desired.

With Aaron Rodgers signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Saints are the last team with a desperate need at quarterback. The only other team that could theoretically be in the Kirk Cousins trade sweepstakes is the Cleveland Browns, as they have four underwhelming options fighting for the starting job. However, even with Carr retiring, the Saints are probably better off rolling with their young arms.

New Orleans pushed all their chips to the center of the table in the final years of the Drew Brees Era. After treading water the past few seasons, the team needs to reset and rebuild. Perhaps Shough or Rattler can show something with extended playing time, but Cousins will do nothing for this organization. Even if he recaptures his form with the Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans is not a quarterback away from competing for anything. Instead of staying the course and winning 7-9 games with a good-but-not-great veteran, it’s time to see what the future holds.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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