Trade speculation around Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins has lingered all offseason, with the team handing the reins of its offense to rookie Michael Penix Jr. For now, though, all signs point toward Cousins remaining in Atlanta — and despite chatter tying him to Los Angeles, the Rams’ faith in their own quarterback room makes such a move improbable.
During an appearance on NFL Network, insider Tom Pelissero floated the Rams as a potential landing spot if circumstances shift before the November 4 trade deadline.
“I’ve been told [Kirk Cousins] has had a great camp. He’s healthy again, coming off that Achilles [injury]… But Cousins has made it clear he wants to play. The Falcons did get calls on Cousins back in the spring. But it was nothing that really moved the needle,” Pelissero said. “Now, if there is a coach and a scheme that Cousins knows well, for instance, the Rams and Sean McVay, it is certainly possible that Cousins could end up elsewhere at some point between now and November 4 trade deadline.”
That link isn’t far-fetched. McVay was Cousins’s offensive coordinator in Washington, where Cousins put together some of his best statistical seasons. The familiarity is real — and if the Rams’ current plan falters, it could make for an intriguing reunion.
Rams Put Faith in Jimmy Garoppolo
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On paper, Los Angeles has little incentive to chase Cousins right now. Matthew Stafford has not taken part in training camp while managing an aggravated disc in his back. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the 37-year-old received an epidural to manage the issue, with the Rams listing him “week-to-week” but remaining optimistic about his Week 1 availability.
That’s where veteran Jimmy Garoppolo factors in. Re-signed this offseason, Garoppolo is viewed inside the building as a true starter — not just a placeholder.
“They think Jimmy is a starting-level quarterback,” insider Albert Breer said on The Rich Eisen Show. “They view Jimmy as a viable starting option. The reason that’s relevant now is because they can go out and have confident practices where their veterans get good work with Jimmy there and with Matthew saving the bullets in his gun.”
Head coach Sean McVay echoed that sentiment, praising Garoppolo’s experience and ability to lead.
“I look at Jimmy, he’s a starting quarterback,” McVay told Kay Adams. “What’s cool about that, though, is the respect and reverence he has for Matthew (Stafford), and the way Matthew leads that room. But Jimmy has played at a really high level. He’s going into year 12. He’s got so many things to bring to the table and we were really fortunate that he chose to come back here because he had a lot of other opportunities. There’s no doubt in my mind he is a starting quarterback in this league.”
Garoppolo, 33, carries a 43–21 career record and has already flashed in limited time with the Rams, throwing for 334 yards and two touchdowns in his lone start last season. That résumé has the team confident enough to shut the door on a Cousins trade — at least for now.
The Door Isn’t Locked
The nuance here is that Los Angeles believes the rest of its roster is built to contend for a Super Bowl. If Garoppolo proves he can keep the offense on track while Stafford heals, the Rams will stay the course. But if his play dips, the calculus could change quickly.
That’s where Cousins’ name could resurface. With his ties to McVay and his proven ability to step into a complex offense, he represents the type of midseason upgrade who could tilt a playoff race.
For now, Los Angeles is projecting stability. Even ESPN’s Adam Schefter downplayed Stafford’s absence, noting the Rams “do not sound concerned” and believe he could play today if needed. Atlanta, meanwhile, values Cousins as insurance for Penix and a playoff push of its own.
But make no mistake: if Garoppolo stumbles and Stafford’s back remains an ongoing issue, the Rams have left themselves an escape hatch. Los Angeles isn’t chasing Cousins today. But in the right circumstances, with a Super Bowl in sight, all bets could be off.
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