Following Aaron Rodgers’ unexpected signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the list of potential NFL teams that could acquire Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins has narrowed. According to NFL Network analyst Tom Pelissero, there is no obvious destination for Cousins at this time, and a trade is unlikely unless an injury forces a team to act. The Falcons have been firm in their decision to keep Cousins, signaling no intention to release him before the season.
Pelissero explained the current situation on the Rich Eisen Show, stating,
“At this point, there’s not a clear place for Kirk Cousins to go.”
He added,
“The Falcons have made it abundantly clear that they are not releasing him. If they were going to do that, they would have done that back in March. It didn’t happen.”
He also noted the potential trigger for a trade could be unforeseen injuries:
“That is a storyline that probably now is not going to be resolved, I wouldn’t think, prior to training camp. But the moment that somebody hits their thumb on a helmet. The moment that somebody pulls up lame with a hamstring, the moment that anything happens to any quarterback, the first question is going to be: is this the team that trades for Kirk Cousins?”
Panthers Evaluate Defensive Options Amid Player Moves
Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers were linked to former Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander as a possible addition to improve their secondary. However, Alexander chose to sign with the Baltimore Ravens, leaving the Panthers without that upgrade. Head coach Dave Canales addressed the possibility and the team’s openness to competitive signings.
On the prospect of bringing in top talent, Canales stated,
“I don’t know that for sure, but we’re always open to the chance of just bringing great players in here to create that competition.”
He continued,
“I wouldn’t say no. But right now, we have to take all the information in. I’m sure those conversations will happen, just to kinda see like, ‘What are they looking for?’ It’s gotta be the right fit for both sides. And so, those are all things we’d be open to.”
Derek Carr Reflects on Retirement and Health Decisions
In related NFL news, quarterback Derek Carr announced his retirement in May, revealing his choice was influenced by the physical limitations he faced. Despite the option, Carr decided against surgery, fearing it would not restore him to full playing capability and would limit his effectiveness on the field.
Reflecting on his choice, Carr shared,
“That part was tough because I didn’t want to have surgery and just sit there and — it sounds crazy but — just take the Saints’ money.”
He explained,
“I wouldn’t have been able to play if I had the surgery. And then if I tried to play with it, I wasn’t near 100%, and so that doesn’t help them either. I just felt like it was the right thing to do for myself and for the team.”
Since retiring, Carr has found peace away from the sport and is relishing time with his family.
“My agent literally texted me a few days ago and he said, ‘Hey, just checking it in. How’s everything? You still feel comfortable with the decision?’ And I sent him a picture of me on the beach with my two kids playing. And I said, ‘This beats an OTA any day.’ And he said, ‘Yeah, I thought so,’”
Carr said.
“So I’m doing great and have thoroughly enjoyed being home.”
Trade Market Dynamics and Future Considerations
The current state of Kirk Cousins’ potential NFL trade destinations highlights the intertwined nature of team needs, player health, and strategic timing within the league. With the Falcons showing no interest in moving Cousins prematurely, any changes in his status will likely depend on injury-driven circumstances affecting other quarterbacks. Teams such as the Panthers remain open to discussions but are cautious about pursuing signings that fit their long-term plans.
As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on roster movements and injury reports, which could ultimately reshape the trade landscape for Kirk Cousins and other NFL players. The ongoing uncertainty underscores the fluidity of NFL roster management and the high stakes involved for players and franchises alike.