Kirk Cousins Reportedly Seen as 'Done' by Some Around NFL amid Trade Speculation

Atlanta Falcons backup quarterback Kirk Cousins isn't unanimously viewed as an impactful contributor under center within the league, according to NFL insider James Palmer.

"There were some people around the league that I talked to that think Kirk Cousins is essentially done," Palmer reported on Wednesday's episode of the Scoop City podcast (59:00 mark).

Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported Monday that the Falcons don't have any immediate plans to trade Cousins despite several injuries to starting quarterbacks on opposing teams.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is reportedly expected to miss at least three months after suffering a toe injury that requires surgery, while Minnesota Vikings passer J.J. McCarthy is expected to miss between two and four weeks with a high ankle sprain.

The San Francisco 49ers were without Brock Purdy in Week 2 due to shoulder and toe issues, while New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields was ruled out of the team's Week 3 matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after suffering a concussion.

Cousins is an experienced option with 159 career starts under his belt, but struggled mightily prior to his benching in favor of Michael Penix Jr. during the 2024 season.

He completed 66.9 percent of his throws for 3,508 yards and 18 touchdowns compared to 16 interceptions in 14 appearances. It's worth noting that Cousins was picked off nine times in five games before he was replaced by Penix.

Before the 37-year-old's underwhelming inaugural year in Atlanta, he suffered a torn Achilles that put an early end to his 2023 season.

Given Cousins' lack of recent productivity and injury history, there may not be rampant interest in him ahead of the Nov. 4 trade deadline.