5 NFL teams that should trade for Kirk Cousins in 2025 offseason ft. San Francisco 49ers 

Kirk Cousins' time as the starter for the Falcons is over and his time in Atlanta might come to an end after the 2024 regular season concludes. When the NFC South team drafted Michael Penix Jr. in the first round of this year's draft, many people raised their eyebrows because they had rewarded the veteran with a four-year $180 million contract.

The thought was that the rookie would learn behind the experienced quarterback and be ready to take over for the Falcons in due course, as the Packers have shown with Jordan Love sitting behind Aaron Rodgers for four years. Kirk Cousins is already 36 years old and it was seen as a workable timeframe.

However, in the last five games, the veteran has nine interceptions and one touchdown pass. Atlanta has gone from NFC South favorites to falling behind the Buccaneers, who now lead the division. Their latest win against the Raiders was hardly convincing. A 15-9 win over the joint-worst 2-12 team in the league did not reassure observers, most of all Falcons' head coach Raheem Morris.

He announced that Michael Penix Jr. will now take over as starter, much sooner than anyone anticipated. This likely means the end of the road for Kirk Cousins in Atlanta and here are some teams that could try to trade for him in 2025. The former Vikings star has a no-trade clause but could be likely to waive it.

Teams that could trade for Kirk Cousins in 2025

#5 - Giants

The positive news for Kirk Cousins is that the 2025 rookie quarterback class does not look too deep. The Giants have a 2-12 record and are vying for the top pick in the draft but they could look to bring in a veteran quarterback to smooth over the transition to whichever player they select. It will be the same plan as they had in Atlanta and New York fans could be worried that they might be trying to replicate something that the Falcons could not pull off.

However, any quarterback is an upgrade given their situation, especially after they allowed Daniel Jones to join the Vikings midseason in 2024. The Jets tried this formula with Aaron Rodgers too but the Giants will be hoping the MetLife curse extends only to their AFC counterparts.

#4 - Titans

The Titans have Will Levis as their starter but they do not have depth behind him if he struggles. Kirk Cousins could be a natural fit here. He would provide competition in Tennessee as Brian Callahan looks to remold the team in 2025.

The Titans head coach worked with Zac Taylor in Cincinnati, who comes from an offensive philosophy instilled in the league by Sean McVay. Having a quarterback with a big arm will be an asset for the kind of offense he wants to run.

#3 - Saints

The Saints have been searching for Drew Brees' successor to no avail. At the beginning of the season, Derek Carr was balling and it looked like they had found their answer. Some even had them as potential Super Bowl contenders.

However, that all unraveled and New Orleans will not feature in the postseason, which will conclude with a Super Bowl hosted in their stadium. They will be on the lookout for a new quarterback and Kirk Cousins has had a year to get used to their division. His experience could also serve to enhance competition with whoever is named the starting quarterback if it is not him.

#2 - Raiders

Desmond Ridder's journey from the Falcons to the Raiders has not been a success. However, in Kirk Cousins' last appearance as the starter in Atlanta, he showed he is still an upgrade on his predecessor.

Las Vegas might have Tom Brady as their minority shareholder but they need a quarterback on the turf to lead the team to respectability. The current Falcons' veteran will be an upgrade on all their current options and could be a placeholder before they can find the right player through the draft in coming years.

#1 - 49ers

Brock Purdy will get a new contract in the offseason but there are doubts about whether he is the right player for them in the long term. He has led them to a Super Bowl appearance and they have reached the NFC Championship twice in his first two years, but this season has been a disappointment with some of their offensive weapons injured.

The 49ers could see Kirk Cousins as a veteran backup in case this season becomes the norm from Brock Purdy. It will allow them to use the Falcons quarterback if the latter flames out and they have to search for a new starter in the coming years. Kyle Shanahan has been a huge admirer of the Atlanta player since his time in Washington and this could be the time to make it happen.