Saints among teams linked to potential blockbuster trade involving $294 million quarterback

The Saints were one of several teams linked to a trade for Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins, who isn’t interested in a situation similar to his current one in Atlanta: stuck behind second-year signal-caller Michael Penix Jr. after being benched by head coach Raheem Morris in December.

The Athletic’s Mike Jones named New Orleans second, first mentioning the Steelers, who have long eyed an Aaron Rodgers signing. Rodgers’ true preferred free agent landing spot, the Vikings, were also linked to a Cousins trade.

Even a return to the ATL was deemed possible.

“So, for now, Cousins remains with the organization and would operate as QB2 during OTAs. Cousins’ situation is likely far from resolved, however. The Falcons could still wind up moving him for the right price. Could the Steelers come calling if Rodgers decides not to join them? Could the Saints, as Derek Carr deals with a shoulder injury that could sideline him all season, try to pry Cousins away from their NFC South rival? Or could the Vikings decide J.J. McCarthy needs more time to prepare to be an NFL starter after last season’s meniscus tear and opt for a reunion with Cousins? It’s possible Cousins could remain Atlanta’s insurance policy for Penix, who dealt with injuries in college. But, for now, the watch continues,” Jones wrote.

Ultimately, Cousins’ value is still too high to be a highly-compensated seat-warmer. Atlanta strengthening a division rival isn’t likely, though.

Pittsburgh may be the team to watch since Mason Rudolph and Will Howard are their top two QB1 options.

New Orleans seems content to see what they have in second-round pick Tyler Shough or handing the reins to Jake Haener or Spencer Rattler in what’d be a lateral move in the wake of Derek Carr’s shoulder injury.