Aaron Rodgers’ decision could open surprising door for Falcons to trade Kirk Cousins to AFC contender | Sporting News

With the clock ticking down until the 2025 NFL Draft, speculation continues to swirl about where Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins might landif he lands anywhere at all.

The Falcons have made it clear theyd be content keeping Cousins as the backup to last years first-round pick Michael Penix Jr.

That scenario would make Cousins, set to earn $27.5 million this season , the highest-paid backup quarterback in the NFL.

But with the draft approaching, things could shift quickly.

Cousins could waive his no-trade clause if the right opportunity arises.

One team that now appears close to out of the race is the Cleveland Browns .

After trading for Kenny Pickett and re-signing veteran Joe Flacco, the Browns are well-stocked at quarterback and also hold the No.

2 overall pick, likely allowing them to draft a long-term option.

That narrows Cousins realistic options.

According to CBS Sports Cody Benjamin , the only viable destinations remaining are a potential return to the Minnesota Vikings or a fresh start with the New Orleans Saints, the Falcons bitter rival.

But Sports Illustrateds Albert Breer adds another intriguing team to the mix: the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The other team Id pay attention to is the Pittsburgh Steelers, if Aaron Rodgers decides not to go there, Breer wrote.

How he fits there, with the strong personalities in that locker room, and on offense in particular, is a fair question.

But you dont have to squint too hard to envision a marriage of convenience between two sides who, once the dust settles on Rodgers, may need each other.

Rodgers had reportedly shown interest in playing for the Vikings while mentoring rookie J.J.

McCarthy , but the team seems committed to moving forward with its new franchise quarterback.

Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp Any deal for Cousins would be complicated by his massive contract.

Atlanta would likely expect a trade partnerwhether its Pittsburgh or another suitorto absorb a significant portion of his $90 million deal.

That, combined with his disappointing 2024 season, makes a trade a steep challenge..

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