Jets Trade Proposal Has $180 Million Former Pro Bowl Heading to New York

The New York Jets sent a clear message to veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers earlier this offseason that they were looking to go in a different direction.

Well, one Jets trade proposal would see the organization replace one veteran signal caller with another by acquiring a former Pro Bowl QB before the 2025 NFL trade deadline.

Jets Trade Proposal Sees Kirk Cousins Heading to New York

Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon acknowledges the New York Jets signed Justin Fields this offseason to be their starting quarterback, but a cited a multitude of other factors as to why the organization could aim to acquire Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins ahead of the NFL trade deadline in 2025.

Gagnon wrote, “Since it’s impossible to speculate on injuries, though, let’s instead throw out a Jets team that has a considerable amount of salary-cap space and could well give up on Justin Fields by November. The Jets also employ senior football advisor Rick Spielman, who is connected to Cousins from their shared time in Minnesota.”

Cousins is coming off arguably the worst year of his NFL career with just 18 touchdown passes to 16 interceptions in his first year with the Falcons.

Cousins’ struggles were significant enough for the team to bench the veteran quarterback in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. with three games remaining in the season. What makes this decision even more concerning for Cousins was the fact Atlanta was still firmly in contention for the NFC South divisional crown when the team made this bold decision.

Since Cousins signed a deal worth up to $180 million with the Falcons just last offseason, the veteran quarterback has been tied to multiple QB needy teams via trade or release this offseason. Yet, Atlanta has concluded their mandatory minicamp workouts and Cousins is a still member of the roster.

Gagnon acknowledged the unknown of Penix under center could be factoring into Atlana’s decision to keep him on the roster for now by writing, “If by midseason, sophomore Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has established himself as the clear-cut guy under center there, the team could more comfortably field offers for Kirk Cousins. And as quarterback-related developments take place throughout the league, there’s a good chance the interest in the veteran quarterback will ramp up. Any contender that loses its QB to an injury could be in on the 37-year-old, despite the high price tag.”

Since the Jets signed Fields in free agency this offseason, it could be hard to envision the team acquiring a pricey quarterback option via trade. Yet, an injury to Fields could open the door to this becoming an option for New York ahead of the trade deadline.

Is 2025 a Make-Or-Break Year for Justin Fields with the New York Jets?

The Jets made a bold decision to part ways with a former league MVP under center in favor of a quarterback who has never quite put it all together during his time in the NFL, which could make New York a bit desperate at quarterback if this gamble doesn’t pay off.

Gagnon concluded, “If the increasingly desperate Jets are competitive in spite of Fields at that stage, dealing for an established veteran from the NFC could make some sense.”

Fields went 4-2 as a starter in Pittsburgh last year, but compiled a 10-28 record with the Chicago Bears and has never topped 2,600 passing yards or 20 touchdown passes in a single season.

Fields has an opportunity to convince this organization that he is their franchise quarterback, but is entering a make-or-break year as a starting quarterback in this league entering 2025.