NFL Rumors: Top 3 QB Trade Targets and Their Best Landing Spots

May 15, 2025 , ,
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins reacts during 2024 game.

With Derek Carr officially retiring due to a degenerative shoulder injury, the New Orleans Saints are suddenly in the market for a quarterback. 

They're not alone. Teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns, Indianapolis Colts, and even the Tennesee Titans are juggling uncertain quarterback depth charts heading into the 2025 season. With the free agent and trade markets heating up, three names stand out as intriguing options: Kirk Cousins, Will Levis, and Aidan O’Connell.

Kirk Cousins – Top Fit: Pittsburgh Steelers

The Atlanta Falcons gave Cousins a four-year, $180 million deal last offseason, but the drafting of Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 signals a change. According to Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton, Atlanta can trade Cousins after June 1 and save $27.5 million in cap space—making a move very possible. The Steelers, in quarterback limbo pending Aaron Rodgers’ decision, could be the perfect match. Pittsburgh wouldn’t have traded for DK Metcalf unless they planned to get a legit QB. If the Steelers can get Atlanta to eat part of Cousins’ 2025 salary, a trade makes too much sense to ignore.

Will Levis – Top Fit: New Orleans Saints

Cam Ward is Tennessee’s future under center, which puts Will Levis on shaky ground. The 2022 second-rounder has 21 starts under his belt and plenty of arm talent, but turnovers have plagued his tenure. Still, the Saints—now without Carr—have a quarterback room full of question marks (Jake Haener, Spencer Rattler, and rookie Tyler Shough). A low-cost deal for Levis would give them a more experienced option. A change of scenery and new system under head coach Kellen Moore could rejuvenate Levis’ career.

Aidan O’Connell – Top Fit: New Orleans Saints (Plan B)

If Levis doesn’t move, Aidan O’Connell could be Plan B for New Orleans. The Raiders added Geno Smith and drafted Cam Miller, which crowds the QB room and opens the door for a trade. O’Connell has started 17 games with modest results: 3,830 yards, 20 TDs, and 11 picks. That’s more experience than any Saints QB. O’Connell's future likely depends on trade offers or his performance in Raiders camp—but a needy team like New Orleans could strike first.

Photo Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images 

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