Context:

Kirk Cousins, despite signing a substantial four-year, $180 million contract, finds himself poised as a backup quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, with rookie Michael Penix Jr. expected to start. Sports analysts like Ian Rapoport and Albert Breer note that trading opportunities for Cousins are closing, with the last significant chance being before training camps in late July. CBS Sports' Joel Corry suggests a trade might only occur if another team's starting quarterback gets injured, with the New Orleans Saints as a potential candidate due to Derek Carr's shoulder injury. The Falcons face a dilemma about trading Cousins to a division rival, the Saints, which could backfire if Cousins leads the Saints against them. The situation underscores the complexities of NFL trades, salary cap considerations, and the strategic risks of intra-division player movements.

Dive Deeper:

• Kirk Cousins, under a lucrative $180 million deal, is unexpectedly positioned as the highest-paid backup quarterback, with rookie Michael Penix Jr. slated to start for the Falcons.

• Analysts suggest that Cousins' trade value is diminishing, with major windows for a trade closing as the NFL moves past free agency and the draft, leaving limited opportunities before training camps.

• Joel Corry of CBS Sports points out that a trade involving Cousins is contingent on injuries to other teams' starting quarterbacks, noting the New Orleans Saints as a potential trade partner due to Derek Carr's injury.

• Derek Carr, the Saints' quarterback, is managing a shoulder injury sustained in the same game as a wrist injury, creating a situation where the Saints might seek a reliable backup like Cousins.

• The Falcons face strategic challenges in considering a trade with the Saints, balancing the need to offload Cousins against the risk of strengthening a divisional rival.

• The potential trade of Cousins to the Saints highlights the intricate decisions teams must make regarding player transactions, salary cap implications, and competitive dynamics within the NFL.

• Shane Shoemaker, a seasoned sportswriter, provides insights into the situation, showcasing his experience and passion for sports, particularly his appreciation for the Atlanta Braves.

• Each day that Kirk Cousins remains on the Atlanta Falcons roster continues to surprise many around the league.

• Cousins, who signed a four-year, $180 million deal last offseason, is currently on track to become the highest-paid backup quarterback in NFL history — thanks to No. 8 overall pick Michael Penix Jr. reportedly being in line to start.

• “I think it’s fair to say — free agency has come and gone, the draft has come and gone. As of right now, it certainly appears as if Kirk Cousins is set to be their backup quarterback for the 2025 season,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said.

• Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer echoed that sentiment, noting that most of the windows to trade Cousins are dwindling. The last realistic deadline, he said, would come in late July when training camps begin.

• CBS Sports’ Joel Corry also agrees with Rapoport and Breer, saying a trade would likely only happen if a team loses its starting quarterback to injury. Still, he mentioned one intriguing possibility to monitor.

• “Barring an injury to a starting quarterback during offseason workouts, the preseason or early in the regular season, the Falcons and Cousins could be stuck with each other until 2026,” Corry wrote. “One situation to watch is with the New Orleans Saints, an NFC South rival, because of starting quarterback Derek Carr’s injured right shoulder.”

• Carr, who signed a four-year, $150 million contract with New Orleans back in 2023, has reportedly met with the Saints twice in recent weeks, according to NFL Network’s Jane Slater. He believes he suffered the shoulder injury in the same game he hurt his wrist — a Week 14 matchup against the Giants.

• The real question now: would the Falcons actually consider trading Cousins to their bitter division rival in the Saints?

• The timing would need to be perfect, and Atlanta would have to weigh whether it’s worth the risk. The last thing the Falcons want is to face Cousins down the stretch of the season — especially if it comes at the cost of an eighth straight postseason miss.