Entering the offseason, the Atlanta Falcons' biggest storyline was what they were going to do with Kirk Cousins. While Atlanta made it clear they wanted to keep him as their backup for 2025, speculation continued about where he could end up. However, talk about a trade partner for the 36-year-old dried up after a visit to Cleveland a few weeks ago, where he seemingly didn't meet with the Browns.
Earlier this week, Cleveland signed Joe Flacco, putting the rumors altogether to bed. That said, a surprise new quarterback injury popped up on Friday that could reopen the door for Cousins to end up on a new team.
According to Ian Rapoport, New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr is dealing with a shoulder injury that threatens his availability this season. Although in-division trades are rare, especially those for a quarterback, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Saints attempt to acquire Cousins.
The #Saints suddenly have a major QB question: Starter Derek Carr is now dealing with a shoulder injury that threatens his availability for this season, sources say.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 11, 2025
Carr is weighing options, including the possibility of surgery. pic.twitter.com/QNdc9ipE8P
Will a Kirk Cousins Trade to the Saints Happen?
Ever since Drew Brees retired in 2020, New Orleans has been looking for a stable quarterback. That is why the Saints signed Carr to a four-year $150 million contract during the 2023 offseason. Unfortunately, Carr hasn't been able to elevate them back to the playoffs.
In two seasons, he has completed 68.2% (564/827) of his passes for 6,073 yards, 40 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Nonetheless, the 34-year-old has a 14-13 record as a starter in New Orleans. In 2023, Carr went 9-8, and then this past season, he went 5-5.
In 2024, Carr sustained an oblique injury that caused him to miss three games and a hand injury that caused him to miss four games. With this new shoulder injury, the Saints might chalk Carr's tenure up as a mistake.
As a result, they could explore a trade with Atlanta for Cousins. Although this trade is likely to cost a lot, given they are division rivals, it would mean New Orleans could stay competitive in 2025.
Nevertheless, given that the Falcons are fine with keeping Cousins as a backup, a trade is unlikely to happen. Regardless, it will be interesting to see what ends up happening with this division-rival quarterback situation in 2025.