It’s hard to know how much of this is speculation vs. inside information, but Schrager is one of the more plugged-in guys around the league. Cousins is seemingly still available for trade, but the Falcons are in no rush to push the veteran quarterback out the door. Whether or not a trade could emerge between the Falcons and Steelers likely hinges on Aaron Rodgers and his decision on playing for the Steelers in 2025. Cousins will be 37 at the start of this season and lost his starting job to Michael Penix Jr. late last year. While he would be an immediate upgrade over what is arguably the worst quarterback room in the league, Cousins going to the Steelers would do more to stabilize the offense’s floor in 2025 than raise its ceiling. Cousins threw for 3508-18-16 in 14 games last season and had an abysmal five-game stretch in which he threw just one touchdown to nine interceptions, which ultimately led to his benching.

As Rapoport adds, “things, of course, can change.” What happens with Cousins is anyone’s guess, and that is perhaps the main takeaway from the report. Cousins wants out, but he will wield his no-trade clause selectively. If the Falcons are unable or unwilling to find a trade partner that suits him, Cousins could end up being a very pricey backup.

If multiple quarterbacks come off the board on Thursday, things could shake out differently. Per Palmer, there is a chance Cousins chooses to waive the no-trade clause in time for a Day 2 trade. A large chunk of the 2025 quarterback class could be forced to wait until Friday to have their names called, though, and Cousins has not wavered in his desire to start for an NFL team this year.

“Minnesota, where Cousins played for six seasons, is the least likely of the trio to consummate a deal, and Cousins, who must approve any trade, is not eager to go to a team with a promising young quarterback,” according to The Athletic. Cousins, 37, is owned $45 million for the 2025 season, some of which the Falcons are going to have to eat if they’re going to part ways with the veteran quarterback. Cousins would figure to function as the starter in both Cleveland and Pittsburgh. Cousins could be traded during the first or second round of the NFL Draft, which begins Thursday night in Green Bay.