Tom Pelissero outlines scenario teasing Kirk Cousins trade rumors heading into training camp 

While Pittsburgh Steelers fans are celebrating the acquisition of Aaron Rodgers, the four-time NFL MVP's new deal has indirectly affected the future of another quarterback: Kirk Cousins. After signing Rodgers to a one-year deal on Friday, the Steelers are no longer in the market for Cousins.

The Atlanta Falcons said they won't release Cousins, and he will likely return to being Michael Penix Jr.'s backup. In a recent edition of "The Rich Eisen Show," NFL insider Tom Pelissero talked about the uncertainty around the quarterback's future. However, he outlined a scenario where a team could trade for Cousins.

"That is a storyline that probably now is not going to be resolved," Pelissero said on Friday (02:56).

"I wouldn't think prior to training camp but the moment that somebody hits their thumb on a helmet, the moment that somebody pulls up lane with a hamstring, the moment anything happens to any quarterback the first question is going to be 'Is this the team that trades for Kirk Cousins?'"

The Atlanta Falcons players are "solidly behind" their quarterback, and it's not Kirk Cousins

Kirk Cousins had a disastrous season in Atlanta last year. It resulted in him losing the QB1 role and became the backup of Michael Penix Jr.

Despite signing Cousins to a four-year $180 million deal in March 2024, the Falcons selected Penix in the NFL draft. According to Sports Illustrated insider Albert Beer, Atlanta players are firmly behind the team's decision to start Penix.

"The focus with the Atlanta Falcons is squarely on developing Michael Penix Jr," Breer wrote on Monday. "Quietly, the pieces of an offense to best fit Penix are being put together — in a way they couldn’t have been last year with Atlanta locked into having Cousins under center. His teammates are solidly behind him (Michael Penix Jr.).

"Because he’s proven to be so football smart, the coaches believe in him. And while the Cousins situation is still hovering, it’s sort of become an out-of-sight, out-of-mind thing for the people inside. The veteran’s been around less than a handful of time this spring, as I’ve heard it, and has effectively blended in with the wallpaper when he has been in the building."

It'll be interesting to see what the future holds for Cousins, and if he will find a new home before the 2025 NFL season starts.