NFL insider reveals potential draft day trade destinations for Kirk Cousins

Kirk Cousins could have multiple suitors during the NFL Draft, according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini. The current Atlanta Falcons quarterback is on a large contract with the team, but behind second-year man Michael Penix Jr. on the depth chart.

As far as where Cousins could go, it was initially thought he’d have to wait until Aaron Rodgers made up his mind about his NFL future, opening up the remaining destinations. But, a trade could happen during the weekend, per Russini.

As far as who wants Cousins, quarterback needy teams do! Not only that, he could return to a familiar destination, at least, it’s not out of the realm of possibility.

“The Browns, Steelers and possibly Vikings could be involved in a Cousins trade,” Russini wrote. “Minnesota is looked at as the least likely scenario, given its preference for J.J. McCarthy and that Cousins would need to sign off on any trade he is involved in. It’s believed that Cousins would be against any trade that involves sending him to a situation involving a young QB, similar to the situation he faced in Atlanta last year. If a trade were to happen, I’d expect it to go down on Saturday.”

The Browns currently have Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett on the depth chart as they move on from Deshaun Watson. Adding another veteran like Cousins gives them options, but might not make too much sense.

As far as the Steelers are concerned, they saw Russell Wilson and Justin Fields depart and they have Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson currently on the team. Pittsburgh makes sense for a guy like Cousins, or Rodgers even as the saga has yet to conclude.

Going back to the Vikings would be fascinating considering they were up front about drafting JJ McCarthy last year and let Cousins walk. They ended up signing Sam Darnold, who set career highs in 2024 before signing a large deal with Seattle this offseason.

But Cousins was reportedly blindsided by the Falcons’ decision to draft Penix Jr. and doesn’t want a similar situation in 2025. So it seems like he’d be against a return to Minnesota and Cleveland could be crowded. Perhaps Pittsburgh is the logical destination.

“I will be highly surprised if Kirk Cousins ever plays another down ever plays another down in Atlanta again,” ESPN’s ADam Schefter said in March. “I don’t believe he wants to be there. I don’t believe he’ll be there. But the question is how this plays out and when this unfolds, and which team steps forward to make a move for Kirk Cousins.”

Cousins played for the Vikings for six seasons from 2018-23, but suffered a season-ending Achilles injury eight games into the 2023 season. Overall, he threw for 23,265 yards, 171 touchdowns and 55 interceptions in his career with the Vikings.