Wanting to force a trade in the NFL is like playing chess. However, it seems like QB Kirk Cousins might not be a good chess player, since his last words to the media might actually strengthen his chances to remain in the Atlanta Falcons.

There’s a saying that goes ‘don’t shoot yourself in the foot’ but Cousins might have unloaded all his ammo. During a Tuesday press conference, the 36-year old stated, “I thought I was much better than I was… I thought I was at an eight, but I was reall back at a three or a four. He then proceeded to add “Now I am getting back to that six, seven, eight.”

Clearly if you’re a team looking for a QB, you wouldn’t want to sign a 36-year old with a serious history of injuries and that states that he is nowhere near to his best. Oh, and on top of that, you need to drop $27 million as Cousins has that guaranteed for this year. As of now, it’s a no-brainer to not trade for Cousins.

Michael Penix Jr. is the new face of Atlanta

Michael Penix Jr. is poised to take every snap under center for the Falcons. He had something to prove and while his record wasn’t good, he showed glimpses of talent that made Falcons fans hop on the Penix hype wagon.

Michael Penix Jr. #9 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass to Drake London #5 during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 05, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

However, it would be stubborn to ignore the fact that Penix also has a serious history regarding injuries. His college career was harmed by them so having Cousins as a backup in the NFL isn’t that bad of an idea and Atlanta’s HC Raheem Morris has alluded to that.

The Falcons are not opposed to have Cousins on their roster

During the Tuesday press conference, Morris said that the Falcons would gladly keep Cousins as QB2 if no trade materializes. Given the veteran’s alarming words to the media and that many teams have already decided their QB future, it seems like keeping Cousins becomes a very strong possibility.

In the end, you would be able to have an NFL proven QB ready to go. While Cousins is not a world-beater, having him as a backup would almost be a luxury. That way, Atlanta has the QB position really covered.

SURVEY What should the expectation be for the Falcons in the 2025 NFL season?

What should the expectation be for the Falcons in the 2025 NFL season?

Having a winning record
Winning the NFC South
Winning a playoff game

already voted 15 fans