The NFL trade rumor mill was buzzing with speculation about Kirk Cousins’ future, but a seismic shift just rocked the quarterback landscape. On Tuesday, October 7, the Cincinnati Bengals, desperate to salvage their season with Joe Burrow sidelined, pulled the trigger on a blockbuster trade for Cleveland Browns veteran Joe Flacco. This move has left Cousins, the former Minnesota Vikings star and current Atlanta Falcons backup, reeling as one of the league’s most pressing quarterback vacancies dismissed him as an option.
Cousins, once a cornerstone of the Vikings’ offense, has seen his star dim since signing a massive four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons in 2024 free agency. The veteran quarterback lost his starting role to first-round pick Michael Penix, who is beginning to find his stride in the NFL. Penix’s recent performance, including his first 300-yard passing game, has solidified his grip on the starting job, leaving Cousins on the sidelines and his hefty contract a potential albatross for trade suitors.
With the NFL trade deadline looming on November 4 at 4 p.m. ET, Cousins remains philosophical about his uncertain future. “Right now, it’s about the role I’m in, helping us win football games, and being ready for the next challenges we face,” Cousins said. “I’ll stay sharp, and you never know what the league will bring.” His composure is admirable, but the clock is ticking, and the Bengals’ decision to bypass him for Flacco has narrowed his potential landing spots.
The Bengals (2-3) were in dire need of a reliable quarterback after Jake Browning’s struggles led to three straight losses. Rather than turning to Cousins, Cincinnati opted for Flacco’s experience to steady the ship until Burrow’s return. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns, another team rumored as a potential destination for Cousins, are forging ahead with young quarterbacks Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. With Deshaun Watson also eligible to return from the physically unable to perform list, Cleveland’s cap situation makes absorbing Cousins’ contract a non-starter.
The Bengals’ and Browns’ decisions have closed two of the most viable doors for Cousins, but a new opportunity may be emerging in the NFC South.
The New Orleans Saints, led by offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, boast a high-octane offense that second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler has struggled to unlock. Rattler, who ranks fifth in the NFL in pass attempts this season, has dropped four consecutive games and posted a season-low 58.7% completion rate in his latest outing. While Moore is giving Rattler every chance to prove himself, the young quarterback’s inconsistency could open the door for a veteran like Cousins.
With 2025 being the final year of guaranteed money on Cousins’ contract, he could serve as an ideal short-term rental for a Saints team desperate to maximize their offensive potential. A trade to New Orleans would offer Cousins a chance to reclaim a starting role and prove he still has the firepower to lead a playoff-caliber team.
Back in Minnesota, the Vikings are grappling with their own quarterback decision as J.J. McCarthy nears a return to full health. The rookie, who was thrust into action behind a shaky offensive line earlier this season, appears poised to reclaim the starting job from Carson Wentz. However, the Vikings, built to win now, may not have the patience for growing pains. If McCarthy stumbles, Minnesota could pivot back to Wentz or even explore the trade market for a veteran like Cousins to bolster a playoff push.
The irony of Cousins potentially returning to Minnesota, where he was a fan favorite before his departure, would be a storyline to watch as the trade deadline approaches.
As the NFL trade deadline draws closer, Cousins finds himself at a career crossroads. Once a marquee name, he’s now a backup with a contract that scares off potential suitors. Yet, his experience and proven track record could still make him an attractive option for a team like the Saints, who need a spark to salvage their season. Whether Cousins gets a chance to rewrite his narrative in 2025 or remains on the sidelines in Atlanta, one thing is clear: the league’s quarterback carousel is spinning, and Cousins’ next move could shake up the NFL once again.