FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The NFL Draft is over. The Atlanta Falcons have two new edge rushers, two new defensive backs and an offensive tackle.
And they still have Kirk Cousins.
Cousins has asked the Falcons to allow him to join a team he can start for, whether via trade or release. Atlanta has been steadfast it will not release the quarterback, but the conversations that happen between team executives during draft week often lead to player movement of all kinds, which offered hope for some sort of resolution. Instead, the Falcons still have the NFL’s most expensive backup quarterback.
Advertisement
“We wouldn’t share any private communication, but really, nothing’s changed with that,” general manager Terry Fontenot said when asked Saturday if he had any discussions about a Cousins deal last week.
The Falcons’ stance on a potential Cousins trade hasn’t changed either.
“Just like on any player, if we get a call, we’ll discuss it,” Fontenot said. “If it makes sense, if it’s going to help this team, we’ll do it. If not, we won’t.”
Cousins is under contract with Atlanta for the next three seasons, although the Falcons will have a relatively inexpensive option to get out of the deal after this season. For now, though, he’s scheduled to count $40 million against the salary cap this season, and the Falcons have made clear that Michael Penix Jr. will be the starter.
Their argument continues to be that moving Cousins won’t change their financial situation this fall, and therefore, they will only be motivated to make a deal if they can get fair compensation in return. Cousins, meanwhile, has a no-trade clause, which gives him control over where he is sent.
If Cousins is looking for a team with a clear path to the starting job, those options shrank during the draft. Fourteen quarterbacks were picked. The Saints got one. The Steelers got one. The Vikings traded for one. The Browns got two.
The Falcons, of course, were paying attention to where quarterbacks went throughout the week.
“That’s a big deal because what happens now is after people go through their drafts, depending on where they drafted guys, there’s going to be … calls,” Fontenot said. “There’s going to be some guys that are possible trades at any position.”
Here are the updated quarterback situations for possible Cousins’ trade partners post-draft:
The Browns
Considered Atlanta’s most likely trading partner for weeks now, Cleveland took Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel in the third round and Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round. The draft slots suggest the Browns aren’t committed to either as the answer at quarterback, but it’s likely they will at least take a look at the rookies before making any other moves, especially considering they already have veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett on the roster.
Advertisement
The Steelers
Pittsburgh drafted Ohio State quarterback Will Howard in the sixth round. That doesn’t qualify as a significant move, but the Steelers also spent the weekend hinting strongly that free-agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers will be signing with the team, which would cross Pittsburgh off the Cousins list. The Steelers also have Mason Rudolph under contract.
On NFL Network, Mike Tomlin was asked if the Steelers passing on QBs this long suggests Aaron Rodgers is coming to Pittsburgh: “I’ll give you the latitude to run with it, because I know you will anyway.”
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) April 26, 2025
The Vikings
Minnesota didn’t draft a quarterback. Instead, it traded for Seahawks backup Sam Howell, who started 18 games in two seasons in Washington. That gives the Vikings at least an option if J.J. McCarthy isn’t ready to be the starter for health or performance issues. They also have Brett Rypien under contract.
The Saints
New Orleans may or may not need a starting quarterback. Derek Carr’s shoulder has “an issue,” general manager Mickey Loomis said, and the veteran may or may not be with the team this season. Even if Carr’s shoulder is healthy, his relationship with the team doesn’t seem to be.
“He does have an issue with his shoulder,” Loomis said during his pre-draft news conference. “We’re hoping to get some resolution, clarity on that in the near future. And when we do, I’ll report back to you. Otherwise, I don’t have anything more to state about Derek. … I’m just not gonna answer anymore questions about Derek.”
New Orleans selected Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough in the second round with the 40th pick. Shough spent seven seasons in college football, starting 32 games at Oregon, Texas Tech and Louisville. New Orleans also has Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener under contract.
Cousins attended the first day of the Falcons’ voluntary offseason workouts last week. That was a surprise, but a welcome one, for coach Raheem Morris.
“I wasn’t expecting him to, but I definitely welcome him with open arms,” Morris said. “He came in, and he was welcomed with open arms. I’m always glad to see anybody that’s on our football team, and he was definitely one of them.”
Advertisement
The coach declined to say if he expected Cousins to be a regular attendee at the voluntary portions of the offseason.
“You take it day by day, you take it step by step,” Morris said. “I think he’s done a great job of coming in, being with his team, being a part of us, and that’s what he’s got to do right now until we figure out whatever else could happen. Obviously, we’re open to all the ideas and things that we talk about and open to all the things and listening to people and communicating to see what happens best for our team, but it’s always going to make sense for the Falcons.”
Patience may make the most sense now as the Falcons wait to see who’s happy with their new quarterbacks and who might have a position open up because of an injury.
“We keep an eye on all these rosters to look at every position and what that means,” Fontenot said, “not just hyper-focused on one position, but we look at all the teams and all the positions.”
(Photo: Matt Krohn / Imagn Images)
This news was originally published on this post .
About the author
Arsenal vs PSG live updates: Champions League predictions, team news and latest score
Hello everyone and welcome to one of the biggest soccer games of the season!It's Arsenal vs Paris Saint-Germain the Champions League semi-final first leg today, ahead of the second leg in the French capital next week.Mikel Arteta's side, fresh off knocking out competition holders Real Madrid in the previous round, are the favourites to win the competition, but will have their work cut out against a sensational PSG side which eliminated Arne Slot's Liverpool juggernauts.How will things pan out today? We've got a decent way to kick-off, so stick with us between now and then for all the predictions, team news, analysis, quotes, stats, and more!
Campeão em 2007, Renato Gaúcho volta a comandar Fluminense na Copa do Brasil
Dezoito anos depois de conquistar a Copa do Brasil como técnico do Fluminense, em 2007, Renato Gaúcho volta à beira do campo pelo tricolor na competição nesta terça-feira. O duelo é contra a Aparecidense-GO, às 21h30, no Maracanã, em partida válida pela ida da terceira fase. Nas duas etapas anteriores, contra o Águia de Marabá-PA e o Caxias-RS, Mano Menezes é quem estava à frente do time. Alvo escolhido: Vasco faz primeiro contato por Diniz, que deve abrir mão de dinheiro para chegar a acordoSeleção Brasileira: Parlamentares aliados de Bolsonaro reagem à camisa vermelha O título de 2007 foi o primeiro da galeria de Renato como técnico — e, até o momento, o único pelo clube carioca. Na ocasião, o Flu foi campeão do torneio de maneira invicta, com cinco vitórias e três empates em oito partidas disputadas. Anos depois, […]
Menšík se chystá na bitvu s náladovým Bublikem
Menšík už dokázal zkrotit daleko větší „zvířata“ než je Bublik. Ve třetím kole z pozice třiadvacátého hráče světa vyndal z pavouku třináctku Bena Sheltona, který byl v posledních týdnech slušně rozparáděný. Například v Mnichově se tento specialista na betonové povrchy dostal až do finále. Menšík mu ale povolil jenom pět gamů a po výhře 6:1, 6:4 dál drží český prapor, když se jeho kolegové Jiří Lehečka a Tomáš Macháč loučili se singlem hned po prvním zápase. Pro úplnost před tím si poradil s kvalifikantem Ethanem Quinnem z USA (7:6, 6:1).Kromě samotné výhry nad Bublikem má před utkáním silnou motivaci. Po španělské zastávce by se mohl poprvé prodrat do elitní dvacítky. A to byla před druhým grandslamem sezony, kterým je French Open, výživná injekce… Mimochodem vloni si musel premiérový start na dvorcích Rolanda Garrose kvůli zdravotním problémům odepřít.Bublik, až 75. hráč žebříčku ATP se dá označit jako zlobivé dítě tenisu. I když už […]
Další rány do hlavy. Z floridského derby se stává přehlídka zákeřných zákroků
Obhájci Stanley Cupu se do sousedů pustili opravdu tvrdě a na bodyčeky vyhráli jasně 46:28. Minimálně dva z jejich hitů se ale vymykali zvyklostem. Ve druhé třetině si domácí Aaron Ekblad u mantinelu tvrdě vyšlápl na Brandona Hagela, který se přitom do akce vrátil po jednozápasové suspendaci za zákrok na floridského kapitána Aleksandra Barkova ze druhého utkání.Obránce Panthers Ekblad měl za sebou pro změnu dvacetizápasovou pauzu kvůli dopingovému nálezu. Do hry naskočil ve třetím souboji série, jenž se mu však hrubě nepovedl. Při porážce 1:5 si připsal čtyři minusové body. „Kdykoli jsem přeskočil mantinel, tak jsme dostali gól,“ tvrdil.S o to větší vervou se vrhnul do čtvrtého pokračování. A ve 29. minutě předvedl nepěkný faul na Hagela, kterého předloktím zasáhl do tváře. Sudí Jon McIsaac měl celou situaci přímo před sebou, stál od ní snad dva metry, přesto se z neznámých důvodu rozhodl nevylučovat. Otřesený Hagel musel ale odstoupit. […]
Das hätte niemand gedacht – Klinsi verrät Matthäus-Überraschung
Ziemlich beste Freunde? Jahrelang galten die ehemaligen Bayern-Stars Jürgen Klinsmann (59) und Lothar Matthäus (64) als Erzfeinde. Als die beiden Ende der 80er und in 90ern gemeinsam bei Inter Mailand und dem FC Bayern aufliefen, krachte es zwischen den Nationalspielern gewaltig. Sticheleien, Eitelkeiten, kleine Seitenhiebe – auf und neben dem Platz!Doch nun verriet Klinsmann im Podcast „Ball you need is love“: „Wir sind mittlerweile richtig gute Freunde geworden!“ Also keine Spur mehr von alten Animositäten? So scheint es zumindest. Statt Schlagabtausch gibt’s heute Schulterklopfer, statt Funkstille freundschaftliche Nachrichten aufs Handy?Die früheren Rivalen Klinsmann (links) und Matthäus (rechts) haben sich längst wieder versöhntFoto: Hendrik Schmidt/dpa<!-->]-->Früher flogen die Fetzen – heute fliegen die Komplimente!Matthäus sei „ein unfassbar guter Spieler" gewesen – eine echte Fußball-Legende eben. Zwischen dem einstigen Stürmerstar und dem Weltmeister-Kapitän von 1990 alles „total klar", betont Klinsi. Keine unterschwelligen Spitzen […]
Warriors, powered by Jimmy Butler’s heroics and Brandin Podziemski’s career night, edge Rockets in Game 4 thriller
SAN FRANCISCO — The Golden State Warriors fought their way to a gritty 109-106 win over the Houston Rockets on Monday night, taking a commanding 3-1 lead in their first-round playoff series. With Brandin Podziemski playing like a seasoned veteran and Jimmy Butler delivering in the game's most critical moments, the Warriors are now one victory away from advancing to the Western Conference semifinals.Jimmy Butler saves the dayWhen the Warriors needed someone to close the door on Houston, Jimmy Butler stepped forward — bruised pelvis and all. After a slow start in the first half with just nine points and three shot attempts, "Robin" returned to score 23 of his 27 points in the second half, including 14 in a pressure-packed fourth quarter. But it was his final act that sealed the win and reminded everyone why he's one of […]
Related
Arsenal vs PSG live updates: Champions League predictions, team news and latest score
Hello everyone and welcome to one of the biggest soccer games of the season!It's Arsenal vs Paris Saint-Germain the Champions League semi-final first leg today, ahead of the second leg in the French capital next week.Mikel Arteta's side, fresh off knocking out competition holders Real Madrid in the previous round, are the favourites to win the competition, but will have their work cut out against a sensational PSG side which eliminated Arne Slot's Liverpool juggernauts.How will things pan out today? We've got a decent way to kick-off, so stick with us between now and then for all the predictions, team news, analysis, quotes, stats, and more!
Campeão em 2007, Renato Gaúcho volta a comandar Fluminense na Copa do Brasil
Dezoito anos depois de conquistar a Copa do Brasil como técnico do Fluminense, em 2007, Renato Gaúcho volta à beira do campo pelo tricolor na competição nesta terça-feira. O duelo é contra a Aparecidense-GO, às 21h30, no Maracanã, em partida válida pela ida da terceira fase. Nas duas etapas anteriores, contra o Águia de Marabá-PA e o Caxias-RS, Mano Menezes é quem estava à frente do time. Alvo escolhido: Vasco faz primeiro contato por Diniz, que deve abrir mão de dinheiro para chegar a acordoSeleção Brasileira: Parlamentares aliados de Bolsonaro reagem à camisa vermelha O título de 2007 foi o primeiro da galeria de Renato como técnico — e, até o momento, o único pelo clube carioca. Na ocasião, o Flu foi campeão do torneio de maneira invicta, com cinco vitórias e três empates em oito partidas disputadas. Anos depois, […]
Menšík se chystá na bitvu s náladovým Bublikem
Menšík už dokázal zkrotit daleko větší „zvířata“ než je Bublik. Ve třetím kole z pozice třiadvacátého hráče světa vyndal z pavouku třináctku Bena Sheltona, který byl v posledních týdnech slušně rozparáděný. Například v Mnichově se tento specialista na betonové povrchy dostal až do finále. Menšík mu ale povolil jenom pět gamů a po výhře 6:1, 6:4 dál drží český prapor, když se jeho kolegové Jiří Lehečka a Tomáš Macháč loučili se singlem hned po prvním zápase. Pro úplnost před tím si poradil s kvalifikantem Ethanem Quinnem z USA (7:6, 6:1).Kromě samotné výhry nad Bublikem má před utkáním silnou motivaci. Po španělské zastávce by se mohl poprvé prodrat do elitní dvacítky. A to byla před druhým grandslamem sezony, kterým je French Open, výživná injekce… Mimochodem vloni si musel premiérový start na dvorcích Rolanda Garrose kvůli zdravotním problémům odepřít.Bublik, až 75. hráč žebříčku ATP se dá označit jako zlobivé dítě tenisu. I když už […]
Další rány do hlavy. Z floridského derby se stává přehlídka zákeřných zákroků
Obhájci Stanley Cupu se do sousedů pustili opravdu tvrdě a na bodyčeky vyhráli jasně 46:28. Minimálně dva z jejich hitů se ale vymykali zvyklostem. Ve druhé třetině si domácí Aaron Ekblad u mantinelu tvrdě vyšlápl na Brandona Hagela, který se přitom do akce vrátil po jednozápasové suspendaci za zákrok na floridského kapitána Aleksandra Barkova ze druhého utkání.Obránce Panthers Ekblad měl za sebou pro změnu dvacetizápasovou pauzu kvůli dopingovému nálezu. Do hry naskočil ve třetím souboji série, jenž se mu však hrubě nepovedl. Při porážce 1:5 si připsal čtyři minusové body. „Kdykoli jsem přeskočil mantinel, tak jsme dostali gól,“ tvrdil.S o to větší vervou se vrhnul do čtvrtého pokračování. A ve 29. minutě předvedl nepěkný faul na Hagela, kterého předloktím zasáhl do tváře. Sudí Jon McIsaac měl celou situaci přímo před sebou, stál od ní snad dva metry, přesto se z neznámých důvodu rozhodl nevylučovat. Otřesený Hagel musel ale odstoupit. […]
Das hätte niemand gedacht – Klinsi verrät Matthäus-Überraschung
Ziemlich beste Freunde? Jahrelang galten die ehemaligen Bayern-Stars Jürgen Klinsmann (59) und Lothar Matthäus (64) als Erzfeinde. Als die beiden Ende der 80er und in 90ern gemeinsam bei Inter Mailand und dem FC Bayern aufliefen, krachte es zwischen den Nationalspielern gewaltig. Sticheleien, Eitelkeiten, kleine Seitenhiebe – auf und neben dem Platz!Doch nun verriet Klinsmann im Podcast „Ball you need is love“: „Wir sind mittlerweile richtig gute Freunde geworden!“ Also keine Spur mehr von alten Animositäten? So scheint es zumindest. Statt Schlagabtausch gibt’s heute Schulterklopfer, statt Funkstille freundschaftliche Nachrichten aufs Handy?Die früheren Rivalen Klinsmann (links) und Matthäus (rechts) haben sich längst wieder versöhntFoto: Hendrik Schmidt/dpa<!-->]-->Früher flogen die Fetzen – heute fliegen die Komplimente!Matthäus sei „ein unfassbar guter Spieler" gewesen – eine echte Fußball-Legende eben. Zwischen dem einstigen Stürmerstar und dem Weltmeister-Kapitän von 1990 alles „total klar", betont Klinsi. Keine unterschwelligen Spitzen […]
Warriors, powered by Jimmy Butler’s heroics and Brandin Podziemski’s career night, edge Rockets in Game 4 thriller
SAN FRANCISCO — The Golden State Warriors fought their way to a gritty 109-106 win over the Houston Rockets on Monday night, taking a commanding 3-1 lead in their first-round playoff series. With Brandin Podziemski playing like a seasoned veteran and Jimmy Butler delivering in the game's most critical moments, the Warriors are now one victory away from advancing to the Western Conference semifinals.Jimmy Butler saves the dayWhen the Warriors needed someone to close the door on Houston, Jimmy Butler stepped forward — bruised pelvis and all. After a slow start in the first half with just nine points and three shot attempts, "Robin" returned to score 23 of his 27 points in the second half, including 14 in a pressure-packed fourth quarter. But it was his final act that sealed the win and reminded everyone why he's one of […]
Be the first to leave a comment