The Atlanta Falcons are no strangers to trade rumors, and with the NFL offseason in full swing, the speculation has only intensified. While some have suggested that tight end Kyle Pitts could be on the trading block, it’s the rumors surrounding quarterback Kirk Cousins that have everyone talking.
Cousins has been a surprise attendee at the Falcons’ voluntary offseason workout program this week, leading many to wonder if a potential trade is in the works. However, Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot has downplayed the rumors, stating that he wasn’t surprised by Cousins’ presence.
But despite Fontenot’s reassurances, the trade rumors surrounding Cousins are still swirling. And with the Browns, Steelers, and Vikings reportedly interested, there’s no denying that the quarterback’s future is uncertain.
First and foremost, let’s address the elephant in the room – why would the Falcons even consider trading for Cousins? After all, they already have veteran quarterback Matt Ryan at the helm. Well, it all comes down to the team’s new direction under Fontenot and head coach Arthur Smith.
Fontenot, who was hired in January, and Smith, who joined the team in January, have made it clear that they want to build a team that’s competitive now and for years to come. And with Ryan turning 36 this year, it’s clear that the Falcons need to start planning for their future at the quarterback position.
Enter Kirk Cousins. The 32-year-old may not be a flashy name, but he’s proven to be a reliable and consistent quarterback throughout his career. In fact, Cousins has thrown for over 4,000 yards in each of the past six seasons, including a career-high 4,298 yards in 2020.
But it’s not just his stats that make him an attractive trade target. Cousins’ leadership and work ethic have also been praised by his teammates and coaches. He’s proven to be a true professional on and off the field, something that the Falcons value highly.
And let’s not forget about his familiarity with the new Falcons coaching staff. Smith was the Vikings’ offensive coordinator from 2014 to 2017, during which time Cousins was the team’s quarterback. This connection could make for a smooth transition if the Falcons do decide to make a move for Cousins.
But what about Matt Ryan? Surely the Falcons wouldn’t just trade away their franchise quarterback without a fight. While Ryan has been the face of the franchise for over a decade, there’s no denying that his age is a factor. And with a potential trade for Cousins, the Falcons could secure a younger, long-term solution at the quarterback position.
Of course, this is all speculation at this point. But the fact that Cousins was in attendance at the Falcons’ offseason workouts is a clear indication that there is at least some interest on both sides.
So, what would a potential trade for Cousins look like? That’s still unclear, but one thing is for certain – the Falcons would have to give up a lot to secure a quarterback with Cousins’ talent and experience. It’s likely that they would have to part with draft picks and maybe even some key players from their current roster.
But if the Falcons are serious about building a competitive team for years to come, a move for Cousins might just be the right step in the right direction. And with the Browns, Steelers, and Vikings also reportedly interested, the Falcons will have to act fast if they want to secure the quarterback’s services.
In the end, only time will tell if the Falcons will make a move for Cousins. But one thing is for sure – the trade rumors are heating up, and fans will be eagerly waiting to see how it all unfolds. Until then, let’s continue to support the Falcons and trust in their decision-making process as they navigate the offseason.