TheAtlanta Falconsare facing a unique conundrum of their own making at the quarterback position. Last offseason, the team signed veteran quarterbackKirk Cousinsto a four-year, $180 million deal to serve as their starting quarterback. However, they also spent the eighth overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft onMichael Penix Jr., hoping to groom him as an eventual successor to Cousins. Cousins ended up having a down season by his standards in his first year in Atlanta. As a result, he was benched over the final three weeks of the season. Now, theFalconsare planning to move forward with Penix as their starter while also keeping Cousins in the fold. KIRK COUSINS:How Falcons plan to navigate QB conundrum Will being a backup be palatable for Cousins? The 36-year-old – who has a no-trade clause – hasn't yet demanded a trade, but he also did not attend Atlanta's first OTA sessions of the 2025 NFL offseason. Prior to the 2025 NFL Draft, therehadn't been substantial trade talksinvolving Cousins, a person close to the situation told USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon. It isn't clear whether that will change if Cousins remains away from the team or if another NFL team gives Atlanta a "Godfather" offer for his services. Where could Cousins potentially land if the Falcons decide to trade him? It may take a quarterback injury to create a dramatic, clear-cut landing spot for the veteran signal-caller. That said, there are a few teams that could be interested in his services. TheSteelersare the obvious potential landing spot for Cousins. Pittsburgh continues to wait onAaron Rodgersto make a decision about his future, but thus far, the 41-year-old quarterback hasn't committed to signing for the 2025 NFL season. Should Rodgers spurn the Steelers at the altar, they will need to find a capable, veteran replacement to play ahead ofMason Rudolph,Will HowardandSkylar Thompson. Cousins would be a plug-and-play fit and would be able to get the most out of the likes ofDK MetcalfandPat Freiermuth. NFL RUMORS:Aaron Rodgers 'has not affirmatively' told the Steelers he's signing TheBrownstargeting Cousins would be difficult, given the guaranteed money they have tied up in Deshaun Watson. That said, if Cleveland could find a way to get Cousins onto the roster, he would provide the team with a significant upgrade at the position. Presently, Cleveland has four healthy quarterbacks on its roster:Joe Flacco,Kenny Pickett,Dillon GabrielandShedeur Sanders. There's little doubt Cousins would be a better veteran bridge to one of the younger quarterbacks than Flacco. The bigger question is about whether the Browns could get their finances in enough order to create the cap space needed to acquire Cousins. SHEDEUR SANDERS:Deion Sanders says son's NFL draft experience 'did hurt' Let's get this out of the way: No, the Falcons aren't likely to trade a starting-caliber quarterback to their top rival. That said, the Saints have a need for a veteran at the position and Cousins profiles as a good fit for Kellen Moore's offense. Derek Carr retiredduring the 2025 NFL offseason because of a shoulder injury, creating a gap at quarterback for the Saints. New Orleans plugged it by spending a second-round pick onTyler Shough, but giving him and 2024 fifth-round pickSpencer Rattlera season or two to play behind Cousins could aid in their respective developments. Cousins going back to the Vikings would be a longshot. However, on the off-chance the Vikings decideJJ McCarthyisn't ready to start as he returns from a meniscus tear that cost him his rookie season, Cousins would represent a plug-and-play veteran stopgap for the team. He is familiar with Kevin O'Connell's offense and would be an upgrade over backupSam Howell. Still, Cousins would probably have to be comfortable accepting a backup role to return to the Vikings. That makes this an unlikely reunion. TheJetsare similar to the Vikings in that they are invested in a young starting quarterback. That said, New York's commitment toJustin Fieldsis of a shorter variety, as the Jets signed him to a two-year, $40 million deal during the 2025 offseason. While Fields will likely be New York's starter, Aaron Glenn may relish a chance to add Cousins, against whom he frequently coached during their NFC North days, to the Jets' quarterback room. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Kirk Cousins best fits: Steelers among top options if Falcons trade QB
