Like Minnesota, the offensive pieces are in-place for a veteran quarterback to succeed in Cincinnati. Flacco has proven that. As recently as 2023, Cousins threw for 2,331 yards, 18 touchdowns and five interceptions - he could be an effective arm to lead Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

The most likely replacement for Daniels is the one that has already replaced him twice in 2025. That would be backup Marcus Mariota, who is in his second season with the Commanders and has mostly been competent when forced into action.

ESPN's Seth Walder discussed players each team could target ahead of next week's trade deadline. For the Vikings, it was a name that refuses to leave the tongues of analysts and fans alike: Kirk Cousins. He mentions Cousins as someone who just makes too much sense to ignore his potential return to Minnesota as the deadline looms.

The Falcons aren't expected to trade Cousins before the trade deadline, but there are deals that could get done, especially at receiver.

The Atlanta Falcons are expected to start Kirk Cousins at quarterback in Week 8 vs. the Miami Dolphins, CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones reports, while Michael Penix Jr. remains sidelined with a bone bruise in his knee. It would be the veteran signal-caller's first start in more than 10 months since his benching.

Kirk Cousins struggled in his first start of the season for the Atlanta Falcons. The 37-year-old quarterback got the nod in place of the injured Michael Penix Jr.

Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins receives more fan ire for horrific first half performance against Dolphins in Week 8

It's been a couple of seasons since Kirk Cousins played at a Pro Bowl level, but he still believes he can get there again. The question now becomes if he will he be granted a chance to prove himself.