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Kirk Cousins Sends Clear Message on Potential Trades Amid QB Injuries

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Josh Valdez | Last updated Sep 30, 2025 1:55 PM ET

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins has had one of the most confusing post-injury situations in recent NFL history, and there's no indication it will change anytime soon.

The veteran tore his Achilles tendon while playing for the Minnesota Vikings against the Green Bay Packers on Oct. 29, 2023. That ended both his season and his six-year Vikings tenure, as he signed a four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons the following March.

However, Atlanta also drafted fellow quarterback Michael Penix Jr. eighth overall a month later. Cousins entered the 2024 campaign as the starter, but he struggled coming off his injury. The 6-foot-3, 205-pounder totaled a career-worst 47 QBR (minimum 10 games played) and led the NFL with 16 interceptions before getting replaced by Penix after Week 15. He was also tied for the league lead with six fumbles.

Cousins never got his job back, and Penix is 17th with a 60.5 QBR this year. Now, the four-time Pro Bowler is an expensive backup just a year and a half after signing a hefty contract.

However, several teams could use Cousins as an injury replacement. For example, the Cincinnati Bengals lost Joe Burrow (toe) for three months, and Lamar Jackson (hamstring) could miss the next two to three weeks for the Baltimore Ravens, via The Baltimore Sun.

Cousins opened up about his outlook on Tuesday ahead of the NFL Trade Deadline on Nov. 3, via Fox Sports' Greg Auman.

"Right now, it's just about the role I'm in, and focused in on helping us win football games and being ready for the next challenges we face," he said. "I'll stay sharp, and you never know what the league will bring."

"For right now, I think you focus on the task at hand, being one play away and being ready, also being a great support to the guys that are starting," he continued.

Falcons QB Kirk Cousins on how he approaches the trade deadline ahead: "Right now, it's just about the role I'm in, and focused in on helping us win football games and being ready for the next challenges we face. I'll stay sharp, and you never know what the league will bring."
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) September 30, 2025

Kirk Cousins Will Be Difficult to Trade

While Cousins could help steer the ship for teams with injured quarterbacks this season, it will be hard for Atlanta to move his contract. The 37-year-old has a $27.5 million cap hit this season as well as $35 million in each of the next two years via Spotrac.

Cousins also has a no-trade clause, so he has to approve whatever deal the Falcons make. Atlanta could fetch a late-round draft pick for the Michigan State product if a contending team clears cap room and he signs off on a trade, but that's a lot that needs to happen within five weeks.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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