It's not clear whether the Atlanta Falcons actually want to trade Kirk Cousins or not.
But if they do, the NFL Draft didn't work out in their favor. The QB-needy teams got quarterbacks.
The Browns picked two, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. The Steelers picked one, Will Howard, and suggested all weekend in public comments that they think they'll be landing Aaron Rodgers.
The Saints added Tyler Shough to help with Derek Carr's injury.
The Vikings traded for Sam Howell rather than Cousins.
It looks like Atlanta may have no choice but to keep Cousins, barring a preseason injury that forces a big QB need somewhere.
Cousins is under contract for three more seasons with the Falcons, although they have an expensive opt-out possibility after the 2025 season.
He won't be the starter, given that Michael Penix Jr. won that job at the end of last season.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Cousins could serve as a solid veteran mentor if he embraces the right mindset.
Atlanta could even keep the weirdness going and swing the pendulum back in Cousins' direction if Penix doesn't look improved in the preseason.
Cousins had a rough 2024, with a league-worst 16 interceptions, but he could still win games as a starting quarterback somewhere in this league.
The problem for Cousins and the Falcons, though, is that it doesn't look like there are any more starting jobs available.
MORE NFL:
- Shedeur Sanders will start when he's ready and could rescue Browns QB woes
- Meet new Giants RB Cam Skattebo, with giant quads and a fun name
- Jets pick a WR whose one main issue is 'hands'
- Why Shilo Sanders, Buccaneers make sense together
- Raiders get Tom Brady's new Julian Edelman
- Lions draft pick makes Egyptian NFL history
- D.J. Uiagalelei might change positions in the NFL
- Jets add intriguing QB as free agent signing after NFL Draft
- Bengals get No. 1 undrafted free agent to sign with them
- Ravens sign RB who ran for 25 TDs in 109 carries
- Did Chiefs just find their Travis Kelce heir?
- Falcons pick up RB with insane 40-yard dash, vertical and bench press numbers
- Giants' signing is one of best RB athletes in draft history
- Falcons new signing took winding road to NFL opportunity
- You won't believe the uniform number Packers WR Matthew Golden picked
- Florida's 464-pound Desmond Watson picked his NFL home
- Bears add 2 of best names in the NFL
- Titans did a great job of prioritizing Cam Ward's happiness
- The latest on the Browns and Deshaun Watson