NFL insider Adam Schefter listed Atlanta Falcons backup quarterback Kirk Cousins as a top candidate to be moved at the NFL trade deadline on Nov. 4. Cousins has appeared in just one game for the Falcons this season, during their week three blowout loss to the Carolina Panthers.
Atlanta head coach Raheem Morris has been adamant that Michael Penix Jr. will remain the starting quarterback for the foreseeable future, meaning Cousins only role with the Falcons is to support Penix and come in if he gets hurt. Though he’s aging, Cousins is still more than capable of providing consistent QB play for a team that needs it.
With Joe Flacco off the block after he was moved to Cincinnati, Cousins is the best option at the quarterback position on the market, with his only real competitor being Russell Wilson.
Cousins played in 14 games for Atlanta last season which was one of the weaker campaigns of his career. He completed just under 67 percent of his passes, but threw just 18 touchdown passes and 16 interceptions, the most INT’s of his career.
Where Cousins Could Be Moved
With Flacco moving to the Bengals and a few other teams getting strong play from backups, the QB buyers market has dwindled in the last couple of weeks. If Mac Jones in San Francisco and Jacoby Brissett in Arizona hadn’t proven their worth, those would be two teams most likely to look at Cousins.
As it stands as of Oct. 12, the three most likely candidates to grab Cousins are the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Jets and Las Vegas Raiders.
The Steelers do have Aaron Rodgers, but he has proven that his ceiling is rather limited. This isn’t to say Cousins’ ceiling is much higher, but if the Steelers, who are competing for a playoff spot want to shake things up or get a better backup than Mason Rudolph, they may take a look at Cousins.
The Jets and Raiders are probably less likely to make a move for Cousins; not because they’re getting good play from Justin Fields and Geno Smith, but because they are both probably leaning towards tanking at 0-6 and 1-4, respectively.
But, if either team wants to improve their on-field brand this season, Cousins would be a solid option.
Penix Had Bounce Back Week In Week Four
After a lackluster start to his season, Penix had one of the better games of his young career in week four, as he threw for 313 yards and two touchdowns in 34-27 win over the Washington Commanders.
Penix found star receiver Drake London eight times for 110 yards and a touchdown in the winning effort. He’s also made a concerted effort to get the ball to tight end Kyle Pitts more often, which has helped make Atlanta’s offense more versatile.
Penix will have a chance to string together two good performances on Monday, Oct. 13 when the Falcons will host the Buffalo Bills on MNF. The Falcons are four point underdogs against one of the top Super Bowl contenders.
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