Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins has been the subject of trade discussions for several months, but after the Pittsburgh Steelers signed Aaron Rodgers on June 5, it appeared more likely Cousins would remain with the Falcons heading into training camp. Despite not playing in the preseason, Cousins is currently preparing as the No. 2 quarterback behind Michael Penix Jr. for Atlanta. Still, speculation continues about a possible Kirk Cousins Falcons Saints trade that could dramatically shift the balance within the NFC South division.
Among the teams linked to Cousins, the Tennessee Titans briefly emerged as contenders following an injury to their quarterback Will Levis. CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan recently mentioned the Los Angeles Rams as another potential destination. However, the most logical fit seems to be the New Orleans Saints, Atlanta’s division rivals, who face significant challenges at quarterback heading into the 2025 season.
Details of a Potential Falcons-Saints Trade
A hypothetical trade between the Falcons and Saints would have Atlanta receiving a 2026 fourth-round draft pick along with $25 million in salary cap relief, while New Orleans would acquire Kirk Cousins to bolster their quarterback position. The concept of trading Cousins to the Saints remains unlikely because such a move would strengthen a direct divisional competitor.
The Saints have struggled recently, missing the playoffs since 2020, and are expected to continue facing difficulties in 2025, especially with younger quarterbacks Spencer Rattler and Tyler Slough leading the roster. Meanwhile, the Falcons have only outperformed New Orleans once in the last four seasons and have not swept the Saints since 2017, which was the last year Atlanta made the postseason. For the Falcons to consider helping the Saints improve, they would expect significant compensation.
Reasons the Falcons Could Benefit from Trading Cousins
Reports from ESPN’s Adam Schefter in April revealed that the Falcons hoped to find a team willing to assume $20 million of Cousins’ $37.5 million contract for the 2025 season. Falcons General Manager Terry Fontenot did not specify the exact figures but implied the Falcons would demand a premium. Should the Falcons entertain the idea of sending Cousins to a division rival, the Saints must offer a deal that provides Dallas meaningful salary cap relief along with valuable draft assets.
In the proposed trade, Atlanta would gain significant financial flexibility, easing their cap issues for the latter half of Michael Penix Jr.’s rookie contract. Additionally, acquiring New Orleans’ 2026 fourth-round pick would aid the Falcons’ long-term roster building, particularly since they lack a first-round pick in that draft year.
Why the Saints Might Pursue Kirk Cousins Despite the Cost
For many teams, absorbing $25 million of Cousins’ 2025 salary is a daunting proposition, and the Saints could hesitate to take on such financial risk. Furthermore, trading draft picks for a 37-year-old quarterback who isn’t viewed as elite would typically be unjustifiable for a franchise that has missed the playoffs for four consecutive seasons.
Nevertheless, Cousins clearly provides a quality upgrade over Spencer Rattler and Tyler Slough, both of whom are unlikely to lead New Orleans to success in 2025. The Saints’ motivation to trade for Cousins likely revolves around salvaging the season and restoring respectability rather than making a championship push.
Before sustaining an elbow injury last November—in a game against New Orleans—Cousins was performing well at a level that, if regained, could surprise opponents and improve the Saints’ offense considerably in 2025.
Impact of a Cousins Trade on Fantasy Football
Although the trade scenario remains improbable, it represents a compelling development for fantasy football enthusiasts. Kirk Cousins’ arrival in New Orleans would notably increase the value of the Saints’ offensive playmakers. Running back Alvin Kamara and wide receiver Chris Olave would likely see their fantasy stock rise with a more capable quarterback under center.
Depth receivers Brandin Cooks and Rashid Shaheed, along with tight end Juwan Johnson, currently carry little value behind Rattler or Slough, but could become significant contributors if Cousins took over the starting role. This change would not only boost individual player values but could also generate high-stakes NFL drama, particularly since the Falcons and Saints face each other twice during the 2025 regular season—once the Sunday before Thanksgiving and again in the Week 18 season finale.
A potential Kirk Cousins Falcons Saints trade would shake up the NFC South division landscape in ways that few expected just months ago, impacting team dynamics, salary cap management, and fan interest across both franchises.