NFL insider: Falcons passed on trading Kirk Cousins to AFC North

The Falcons released quarterback Kirk Cousins on March 11, officially ending his time in Atlanta following two years of trade rumors, injury speculation and QB controversy. Cousins is a free agent once again and should have no trouble finding a job in 2026. The Pittsburgh Steelers could be among the teams in the market for Cousins, assuming veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers doesn't return next season.

According to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, the Steelers attempted to trade for Cousins prior to signing Rodgers last year. During an appearance on the Rich Eisen Show, Pelissero said that Pittsburgh called Atlanta during the 2025 offseason, but the Falcons weren't interested in trading Cousins at the time. "Kirk Cousins is the one, and I know that they called on him last year, and the Falcons at the time didn't want to trade him.

Didn't want to engage in trade talks, but now Kirk Cousins is free," Pelissero said via The Rich Eisen Show . "Cousins potentially could be an option if they pivot away from Aaron Rodgers, which hasn't happened yet. " It's unclear why the Falcons wouldn't have been willing to trade Cousins.

The team had already committed to starting Michael Penix Jr. at quarterback, and Cousins was making more money than any other player on the roster at the time. Penix suffered a partially torn ACL in Week 11, which allowed Cousins to start the final seven games.