Why Kirk Cousins might end up being the answer for Giants

The Atlanta Falcons don't seem interested in trading Kirk Cousins.

Simply, that doesn't make sense.

They benched Cousins at the end of the season in the hope that Michael Penix Jr. could push their team to the playoffs, and the rookie nearly did. It wasn't a miraculous season from Penix, but it was comparable to — if not better than — what Cousins did as QB1.

We all knew where this was going when the Falcons drafted Penix at ninth overall last year. And we all know where this is going in 2025. When the season starts, Penix will be on the field. And Cousins will land elsewhere.

Why delay the inevitable?

Teams often protest loudest about trading a player before they trade that player. That's why I'm not buying the reports that Cousins isn't on the trade block. I just think the offers haven't yet hit Atlanta's asking price. (Would a high fifth-rounder do it?) Nor do I think the music has stopped playing in the QB version of musical chairs. Aaron Rodgers and the Minnesota Vikings are dragging things out. Russell Wilson and the Pittsburgh Steelers are waiting.

And so are the New York Giants.

The problem for New York is that Rodgers will likely pick between Minnesota and Pittsburgh. And then Wilson will likely pick between Pittsburgh and Cleveland. And then … what if that leaves the Giants without a quarterback?

New York has the No. 3 overall pick, where it could land Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders, as projected in the latest mock draft from FOX Sports' Joel Klatt. (The growing consensus is that Miami QB Cam Ward will go first overall to the Titans.) But there's an issue with Sanders going to New York, and it has nothing to do with Sanders himself. It's about the Giants' leadership, which is entering the season on the hot seat.