Breaking: Colts Land $180 Million Quarterback Kirk Cousins in Trade

The Indianapolis Colts appear uncertain about relying on former No. 4 overall pick Anthony Richardson as their starter heading into the 2025-26 season.

To bolster the quarterback room, the Colts signed ex-Giants quarterback Daniel Jones and selected Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Despite those moves, the team might still pursue a trade for a starting-caliber quarterback.

Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report listed Indianapolis as a potential destination if the Atlanta Falcons decide to trade Kirk Cousins.

“There’s pressure mounting in Indianapolis, and how long GM Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen stick with Anthony Richardson could determine whether they show interest in Cousins,” Sobleski wrote. “Richardson’s first two seasons have been hampered by injuries and questions about his maturity.”

 

 

“The Colts recognized they needed a change. Ballard acknowledged the importance of creating competition, which is why they brought in Daniel Jones. But if it came down to Jones or Cousins to help save their jobs, the choice seems pretty clear—even if trading for Cousins would require giving up a future asset and absorbing a large portion of his contract.”

Cousins passed for 3,508 yards and 18 touchdowns in 14 games during his first season with Atlanta, though he also led the NFL with 16 interceptions.

Falcons May Have Kirk Cousins’ Replacement

Despite signing Kirk Cousins to a four-year, \$180 million deal during 2024 NFL free agency, the Atlanta Falcons selected quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in the first round of the same year’s draft.

The move reportedly left Cousins feeling “misled,” as Penix was viewed as a possible long-term replacement just months after Cousins joined the team.

 

 

As a rookie, Penix appeared in five games, starting three, and threw for 775 yards and five touchdowns.

Cousins will be 37 when the upcoming season begins, while Penix is set to turn 26 next offseason.

The Falcons view the former Washington standout as their future franchise quarterback, and Penix appears prepared to step into that role.

“I feel like I’ve done a much better job building relationships throughout the team—not just with the offense, but the defense too,” Penix told NFL. “Whether that’s grabbing lunch or hitting the golf course with some of the guys.”

Colts’ Anthony Richardson’s Shoulder Issue

Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson, now in his third year, re-injured his throwing shoulder during minicamp—the same shoulder that ended his rookie season prematurely.

 

 

As a result, Richardson sat out the remainder of minicamp while Daniel Jones took most of the first-team reps.

The fact that it’s the same shoulder raises concerns for the team and could push the Colts to explore trade options, depending on how Richardson holds up in training camp.

As Brent Sobleski pointed out, acquiring someone like Kirk Cousins would require Indianapolis to absorb his hefty contract. Per Over the Cap, Cousins carries a \$40 million cap hit for the 2025-26 season.

Currently, the Colts have just over \$20 million in cap space, but that figure jumps to nearly \$59 million for next season.