Falcons' Kirk Cousins Explains His Approach to 2025 NFL Trade Deadline Amid Rumors

Atlanta Falcons backup quarterback Kirk Cousins says he is focused on "staying sharp" despite his place behind Michael Penix Jr. on his team's depth chart and the approach of the Nov. 4 trade deadline.

"Right now, it's just about the role I'm in, and focused in on helping us win football games and being ready for the next challenges we face," Cousins said, per FOX Sports' Greg Auman. "I'll stay sharp, and you never know what the league will bring."

Cousins continued, per Auman: "For right now, I think you focus on the task at hand, being one play away and being ready, also being a great support to the guys that are starting."

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported last week that the Falcons would trade Cousins in exchange for some of his salary and "a premium pick."

The Falcons already locked in a $10 million roster bonus for Cousins this season by keeping him in the organization past March.

Cousins has the ability to block any move he doesn't like. The quarterback has a no-trade clause as part of the four-year, $180 million contract he signed with the Falcons ahead of the 2024 season.

He started the first 14 games of the 2024 campaign after signing that deal, but was benched in favor of Penix ahead of Week 16 and has yet to regain his starting job.

It seems likely Cousins would waive his no-trade clause if he receives the chance to start for another franchise. The quarterback told Falcons owner Arthur Blank early last offseason that he wants to be somewhere he can resume his previous role as a starting quarterback, per NFL.com's Tori McElhaney.

Blank said in April, however, that the Falcons are only interested in making a chance "if the opportunity presents itself as something that's good for both of us— it's good for the Falcons and for Kirk Cousins" (h/t McElhaney).

Cousins has $22.9 million guaranteed on his contract for 2025, and another $10 million in guaranteed money remaining on his deal for 2026, according to Spotrac.

In order for a team to be willing to take on a significant part of that remaining guaranteed salary or cap hit while also giving up a high pick, the Falcons may need to wait and see if any playoff contenders become more willing to pay a high price for an experienced quarterback by the time the November trade deadline approaches.