The Atlanta Falcons have been talked about a lot as a potential team to watch before the NFL trade deadline. Kirk Cousins has been mentioned many times as a potential quarterback option for teams looking to make an upgrade.
Cousins, who was signed to a lucrative four-year, $180 million contract by the Falcons last offseason, was benched late last season in favor of Michael Penix Jr. So far this season, he has sat on the bench outside of a very short period where he completed five of his seven passes for 29 yards against the Carolina Panthers.
Despite the fact that Atlanta has moved on from Cousins to Penix, the front office has not shown much interest in trading him.
Read more: Browns Get Bad Myles Garrett News Before Facing Vikings
Could that change before the trade deadline? It seems possible, but it’s far from a guarantee.
With that being said, a new trade possibility has been brought up for the Falcons and Cousins.
Matt Verderame of Sports Illustrated believes that Atlanta should trade Cousins to the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for a conditional fifth-round pick.
“So it’s time to cut ties with the highly expensive backup quarterback,” Verderame wrote. “Might as well get a Day 3 pick for Cousins, who’s already received most of the money on the four-year, $180 million deal he signed in Atlanta last year.”
Of course, the Bengals have been struggling mightily on the offensive side of the football since Joe Burrow went down with a serious toe injury. Jake Browning has been unable to step in and play at a high level in his absence.
Should Cincinnati be interested in making an aggressive move for a quarterback, Cousins could be at the top of their wish list. Another name to watch could be New York Giants veteran signal caller Russell Wilson.
Last season with the Falcons, Cousins played in 14 games. He completed 66.9 percent of his pass attempts for 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions. The turnover numbers were what ultimately costed him his job.
Read more: Steelers Linked to $19.2 Million Trade to Support Aaron Rodgers
Even though he had some turnover issues last season, the 37-year-old quarterback is still capable of playing. For a team like Cincinnati who badly needs help, Cousins could be an elite option. It’s possible that he could keep the Bengals afloat until Burrow is able to come back.
Fans should expect to continue hearing Cousins’ name as the trade deadline draws closer. Atlanta may not end up moving him, but he’s certainly a candidate to be traded if the right offer is made.