April 23, 2025
The Atlanta Falcons are bound to be having many trade conversations during this week's NFL draft that involve quarterback
Kirk Cousins, and The Athletic's Dianna Russini points out the Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings as the most likely suitors for Cousins, who signed a four-year deal with Atlanta in free agency last year, only to play 14 games before being benched by rookie
Michael Penix Jr. The Vikings, where Cousins played for six seasons, is the least likely of the trio to trade for Cousins, who must approve any trade. Russini writes that he's not eager to go to a team with a promising young QB like
J.J. McCarthy. If the veteran signal-caller is traded during this week's draft, it would likely happen on Saturday. The Falcons have made it clear that they're moving forward with Penix as their starter, and Cousins has told the team that he would rather play elsewhere as a starter than back up Penix again.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Athletic - Josh Kendall and Dianna Russini
April 22, 2025
Atlanta Falcons quarterback
Kirk Cousins reported to voluntary OTAs on Tuesday, according to NFL.com. His arrival was a surprise to some Falcons staffers, but his presence in the building shows the relationship between him and the organization is still cordial. The Falcons have said they are willing to pay Cousins $27.5 million to back up second-year quarterback
Michael Penix Jr., but the veteran would prefer to be traded somewhere he can start. However, starting quarterback roles around the league are now scarce, and options will be further reduced following the 2025 NFL Draft. Cousins was benched for Penix last season after throwing for 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions in 14 games. It remains to be seen how this situation will play out, but Atlanta could hold onto him in hopes of a fruitful trade offer at some point this offseason or during the 2025 campaign.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com
April 21, 2025
The Atlanta Falcons have said publicly that they aren't interested in trading quarterback
Kirk Cousins but that they'd entertain offers if the right deal is on the table. According to sources, they've privately had talks with other teams and have asked for a lot in return. Specifically, the Falcons have asked any acquiring team to pay $20 million of the $37.5 million worth of guarantees left on Cousins' contract. No team has been willing to do that to date, and no teams are expected to be willing to. However, what happens during this week's NFL draft could influence how much guaranteed money a team might be willing to take on from the 36-year-old veteran's contract. The Vikings or Steelers could be willing to pay down to around $10 million for Cousins. He did not look good in his first season coming off a torn Achilles in 2023 and was eventually benched for rookie
Michael Penix Jr. in Week 16 last year.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN.com - Peter Schrager
April 1, 2025
Atlanta Falcons quarterback
Kirk Cousins is not expected to participate in the team's voluntary offseason training program, according to head coach Raheem Morris. Cousins is just over a year removed from signing a four-year, $180 million contract ($100 million guaranteed) but was benched after throwing 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions in 14 games last season for first-round rookie
Michael Penix Jr. The team has stated they are comfortable keeping Cousins on the roster as a backup, but he could still be cut or traded at some point before the 2025 regular season.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com
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