The Atlanta Falcons' Kirk Cousins saga has been perhaps the largest storyline of the 2025 offseason, as his dark cloud has hung over the organization while they've tried to move on in support of the Michael Penix Jr. era.
Nonetheless, the 37-year-old underachiever remains the highest-paid backup in the sport, which speaks to his ability to convince teams that he's better than he is.
To that point, the Falcons would be wise to find a franchise desperate enough to bring him in, yet perhaps that best shot just blew up in the dark following the latest trade at the position.
Trade! The #Vikings are sending QB Sam Howell to the #Eagles, sources tell me and @RapSheet.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 24, 2025
Minnesota gets a 2026 5th-round pick and a 2027 7th. Philadelphia gets a 2026 6th and Howell, an experienced backup for Jalen Hurts while Tanner McKee deals with an injury. pic.twitter.com/RVRam0CmbH
Falcons Lose Best QB Kirk Cousins Trade Opportunity in NFL Trade
As reported by Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the Philadelphia Eagles sent a 2026 5th-round selection and a 2027 7th in exchange for Minnesota Vikings signal caller Sam Howell and a 2026 6th-rounder.
It's a surprising move for several reasons. First, it's rare that a competitive team like the Vikings would want to give a quality quarterback to the reigning Super Bowl champions. Second, this is a lot to give up for someone who hopefully won't ever start for your franchise in the first place.
Most importantly for Falcons fans, it's one less opportunity for Atlanta to send Cousins elsewhere. He holds likely the worst contract in sports. Cousins is also a shell of himself with no chance to contribute to a winning organization.
That's not meant personally, but it's a matter of fact. Aside from the Cleveland Browns' deal for Deshaun Watson, Cousins represents the worst contract in professional sports.
Whether the front office likes it or not, they're stuck with Captain Kirk. Some trade destinations may still be available, but they're few and far between. The four-time Pro Bowler will be in Atlanta until the team releases him, and they're likely just accepting the sunk cost at this point. If Micahel Penix Jr. goes down, someone has to save the day. Cousins could be that guy, even if no fans believe he could.
It's a brutal situation for a coaching staff to be in, and head coach Raheem Morris doesn't deserve the blame. Cousins, who has 5,630 career passing yards, could still be a valuable veteran voice to coach Penix.
Regardless, general manager Terry Foteknot has to be upset that one more potential trade partner is now off the books for the worst professional decision he's ever made.