The Falcons don’t have to trade Kirk Cousins this season. With their defense playing at a high level, having a proven veteran quarterback behind Michael Penix Jr. offers insurance in case of an emergency. But there’s no denying that moving Cousins could provide significant long-term benefits — freeing up salary cap space and recouping valuable draft capital.

And now, a couple of potential landing spots are starting to emerge.

Cincinatti Bengals

The Bengals are 2-0, but Joe Burrow has been diagnosed with a severe case of turf toe. He needs surgery and will miss at least three months. Cincinnati was able to come back and win on Sunday against the Jaguars with Jake Browning at quarterback, who has proven to be a more than capable NFL backup, but there’s a clear difference between “capable backup” and “season-saving starter.”

Kirk Cousins, surrounded by Cincinnati’s weapons, would give the Bengals a real shot at staying in the playoff mix until Burrow returns. If Browning struggles over the next couple of weeks, it might be something Cincinnati’s front office would be willing to explore.

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings let Sam Darnold walk in the offseason due to their belief in J.J. McCarthy. Through two weeks, there have been some flashes, but it’s been mostly bad quarterback play in Minnesota, especially against the Falcons on Sunday Night Football. On top of that, McCarthy is now dealing with an ankle injury that is expected to sideline him for the next 2-4 weeks.

If Minnesota still believes McCarthy is the future, they may simply ride out the storm. But if there are doubts, a reunion with Cousins could make perfect sense. He knows Kevin O’Connell’s system inside and out, and Minnesota’s roster is too talented to waste a season waiting for McCarthy to develop into something he’s not ready to be right now.