Is Kirk Cousins‘s time with the Falcons already nearing the end? Last year in March, Atlanta handed him a four-year contract worth $180 million. And only a month later, they drafted Washington standout Michael Penix Jr. in the first round of the draft. That move was the most thrilling plot twist of last year’s draft, because everyone just had one question on their minds after Penix Jr.’s announcement: Wait… did they just do Cousins dirty?

Kirk Cousins couldn’t exactly light it up in Atlanta, and HC Raheem Morris benched the veteran QB after Week 15. Michael Penix got his shot, started three games, and the Falcons made up their mind. Now, with three good months left before the 2025 season kicks off, the Falcons’ QB picture is clear. Penix will most likely be the QB1, and Cousins’ role has felt a lot blurrier ever since. Now, as the veteran QB’s career takes a dramatic turn, Falcons OC Zac Robinson added a little more heat to the fire.

Lately, there were rumors that the team might trade TE Kyle Pitts. Zac Robinson shut those rumors down, saying, “I’m expecting Kyle to take a big jump. You know, Year 2 of the system. Year 2 of understanding what we’re trying to do offensively.” Well, considering Pitts barely moved the needle last year with Kirk under center, this felt like more than just coach-speak.

Pitts’ struggling performance was evident, especially in connection with Cousins. Throughout the season, the TE recorded 47 receptions for 602 yards and 4 TDs. During the final six games of the regular season, Kyle’s performance deflated, with him recording one or no receptions in multiple games. The lack of synergy between him and Cousins was hard to ignore. That was also the reason both Kirk and Kyle’s trade rumors were making the rounds.

Anyway, with the writing on the wall in Atlanta, the next big question is, what’s next for Cousins? If Penix is the future, and the Falcons are moving on, then Cousins might have to start looking elsewhere.

Tomlin time for Kirk Cousins?

After signing a four-year contract, the Falcons already seem to be standing at a crossroads with Kirk Cousins, just one season in. Maybe this wasn’t the original plan. And they were hoping to develop Michael Penix Jr. under a veteran presence. But now, things look very different. The front office appears ready to put Cousins behind Penix, and honestly, that’s the only way Kirk stays in Atlanta. If that doesn’t sit right with him, then it might be time to explore trade options.

So, who’s the most quarterback-needy team even after the draft? The Pittsburgh Steelers might just top that list. They signed Mason Rudolph and drafted Will Howard, but neither screams ‘franchise QB.’ Mike Tomlin and the Steelers are reportedly still waiting for a call back from Aaron Rodgers. And according to SI’s Albert Breer, if that doesn’t happen, Pittsburgh could become a perfect landing spot for Cousins. “Realistically, at this point, it seems like the two possible exit doors for Cousins open if the Steelers don’t land Rodgers, or another quarterback gets hurt somewhere,” Breer writes. 

Albert Breer also pointed out another possibility for the former Vikings QB: if any team faces a major crisis due to an injured QB. Interestingly, the trade options for Cousins are also getting fewer now that the draft is over. The QB has missed the earlier two suitable dates to be traded. The first was March 15, when he was due for a $10 million bonus for his 2026 contract. Then, during the draft. Now, if the Falcons do want to trade him, the last deadline seems to be late July, when teams begin their training camps. By then, the franchises are almost ready with their 90-man roster, making it harder to make big trades.

So, with the clock ticking down, it remains to be seen if Kirk Cousins will find a new home or continue to sit on the bench behind Michael Penix.