Recent disclosures indicate that the Atlanta Falcons had previously rejected an attempt by the Pittsburgh Steelers to acquire quarterback Kirk Cousins via trade in 2025. This information surfaces as Cousins, now a free agent, explores new opportunities in the league. The Falcons' decision to let go of Cousins, despite his strong finish to the 2025 season, has reshaped their quarterback roster and opened a new chapter for the veteran passer.
The Steelers' past interest in Cousins highlights a potential shift in their quarterback strategy, especially if their current veteran, Aaron Rodgers, does not return. Cousins' release has made him one of the most sought-after free-agent quarterbacks, with a career marked by significant passing yards and touchdowns. His unexpected departure from Atlanta, following a season where he stepped up due to injury, underscores the unpredictable nature of NFL team dynamics and player movements.
Falcons' Unexplained Refusal to Trade Cousins
Previously, the Atlanta Falcons turned down a trade offer from the Pittsburgh Steelers for quarterback Kirk Cousins in 2025, a move that surprised many given the circumstances. At the time, the Falcons had already committed to Michael Penix Jr. as their future starting quarterback, and Cousins commanded a substantial salary, making him the highest-paid player on the roster. Despite these factors, which would typically make a trade appealing, Atlanta chose not to engage in discussions regarding Cousins' departure. This decision, as revealed by NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero on the Rich Eisen Show, left many observers puzzled about the team's long-term strategy and their valuation of Cousins.
The rationale behind the Falcons' reluctance to trade Cousins remains largely unclear. Even after Penix Jr. suffered a partially torn ACL in Week 11, allowing Cousins to start the final seven games and lead the team to a four-game winning streak, the Falcons decided to part ways with him at the season's end. This sequence of events suggests a predetermined plan to move on from Cousins, regardless of his performance or potential trade value. His release, despite his proven track record as a four-time Pro Bowler with nearly 45,000 passing yards and close to 300 touchdowns, positioned him as a prime free agent, further emphasizing the mystery behind Atlanta's earlier refusal to trade him.
Cousins' Free Agency and Falcons' New Quarterback Era
With his release from the Atlanta Falcons, Kirk Cousins has once again entered free agency, making him a highly attractive option for teams in need of an experienced and productive quarterback. His availability comes at a time when the Pittsburgh Steelers, who previously attempted to trade for him, might be reassessing their quarterback situation if Aaron Rodgers does not return. Cousins' consistent performance, including leading the Falcons to a late-season winning streak in 2025, solidifies his standing as one of the top free-agent quarterbacks on the market, capable of making an immediate impact on any team he joins.
In the wake of Cousins' departure, the Atlanta Falcons have swiftly moved to reshape their quarterback room, signing Tua Tagovailoa to a one-year, $1.2 million contract. This acquisition sets the stage for an intriguing quarterback competition between Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. in the upcoming season. The Falcons' decision signifies a clear shift towards a new era, moving past the previous speculation and commitment surrounding Cousins. This new chapter for Atlanta's offense will be closely watched as they aim to establish stability and future success under fresh leadership, while Cousins embarks on finding his next team to continue his decorated NFL career.
