The Atlanta Falcons hoped that Week 8 would prove to be an impressive comeback for Kirk Cousins that breathed life back into trade hopes. Instead, the quarterback predictably struggled and failed to show improvements from last season. Cousins looked old and slow, a signal caller who had lost his confidence and was reduced to consistent checkdowns. This makes it nearly impossible to believe the Falcons have any hopes of trading Cousins over the next week. Still, there is one potential option that cannot be completely ignored. With J.J. McCarthy underwhelming and Carson Wentz unhealthy, a reunion could be on the table.
Going back to the Minnesota Vikings, where the veteran was playing at an incredible level before a 2023 injury, makes a lot of sense. If McCarthy has another rough start on Sunday, it is officially time to hit the panic button. You've got all the needed pieces offensively to win now, and a Brian Flores-led defense that consistently finds ways to keep the team in games. Cousins could instantly start looking like an attractive option if McCarthy is as awful as he appeared in his last start.
Falcons Can Only Hope Minnesota's Desperation Sets Stage for Trade
Already, the Vikings sit at 3-4 at the bottom of their division, which is more losses than they had the entire 2024 season. Losing Sam Darnold has proven to be an incredible mistake that has left more questions than answers. Could this sense of desperation lead the franchise down a familiar path? It is important to note that it is still incredibly unlikely and would require an unhealthy level of desperation. As history has shown, though, anything is possible in the NFL.
Still, there is every reason to hope from Atlanta's perspective that perhaps the familiarity will open a door that appears firmly shut. It isn't hard to argue that the team where Cousins played his best ball is the one shot at ending his career on a higher note. The quarterback appears to have lost all confidence and is questioning every decision he makes.
Haunted by the endless turnovers from a season ago, the former Viking needs a landing spot that rebuilds his confidence and leaves reason to believe there is still a future as a starter in this league. No team is in a better position to do this than Minnesota if it continues to implode ahead of the trade deadline.
Atlanta's case is helped by the fact that Minnesota is scheduled to play the Detroit Lions this week, opening the door for a rough week for McCarthy. Making it at least a faint possibility that another loss invites conversations about whether or not a miracle trade could still happen for the Falcons.