The Atlanta Falcons are riding a new wave of optimism behind rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr., but an opportunity may be brewing that they shouldn’t ignore: Cincinnati’s desperate quarterback situation.
The Bengals have been a mess since Joe Burrow went down with turf toe in Week 2. Jake Browning, Burrow’s replacement, has started two games and both have been disasters.
Cincinnati has failed to crack 175 total yards in either outing, something that hadn’t happened since 1971. In Week 4, Browning’s struggles hit rock bottom as the Broncos dismantled the Bengals 28-3.
At 2-2, Cincinnati isn’t buried in the standings, but the offense looks broken. The Bengals are clinging to playoff position, and with Burrow out until December at the earliest, their only realistic lifeline is making a move at quarterback.
Enter Kirk Cousins.
Atlanta benched Cousins in favor of Penix late last year, and while the veteran has kept things professional, he’s made it no secret he’d welcome a shot to start elsewhere. A move to Cincinnati makes almost too much sense: a playoff-caliber roster in need of stability under center, and a quarterback with 13 years of experience who’s still capable of running an offense.
Why It Works for the Falcons
GettyFalcons QB Kirk Cousins
Atlanta has already chosen its future. Penix is the present and the path forward. Cousins, meanwhile, is an expensive backup who doesn’t want to be here long-term. Trading him to Cincinnati would clear more than $20 million off the books this season and potentially net draft capital that could strengthen the roster around Penix.
The Falcons also avoid a messy locker room dynamic. As long as Cousins sits behind Penix, the story lingers. Moving him now is cleaner and puts full ownership of the offense in Penix’s hands.
Why It Works for the Bengals
GettyFalcons QB Kirk Cousins
The Bengals are wasting a championship window if they continue trotting Browning out there. With Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins still in place, they need someone who can maximize those weapons. Sure Cousins isn’t Burrow, but he is steady and far more capable of keeping Cincinnati in the playoff mix than Browning.
But yes, Cousins carries risk. He’s 37, coming off an Achilles tear in 2023, and he threw a career-high 16 interceptions last season. But compared to the alternative, he’s a clear upgrade.
Here’s the catch: the Bengals almost never make in-season trades. In fact, they’ve made just two such deals in the past 52 years. History suggests Cincinnati might try to ride it out with Browning rather than pay Cousins’ hefty price tag. His $27.5 million base salary this season (with roughly $21.4 million left to be paid) is no small hurdle, and there’s a guaranteed $10 million option bonus due in March.
Still, this is not a typical situation. Burrow’s injury leaves Cincinnati at a crossroads. Without help, the season slips away. For the Falcons, this is a chance to move an expensive, unhappy backup and commit fully to the future. For the Bengals, it’s their only shot at salvaging 2025 before Burrow returns.
Atlanta doesn’t need Kirk Cousins anymore. Cincinnati desperately does. That’s why the Falcons need to call the Bengals… ASAP.
The Falcons Need to Call the Bengals ASAP