Falcons Having Trade Talks For Kirk Cousins – But High Asking Price Remains Challenging

The Atlanta Falcons have said they don’t have to trade Kirk Cousins. However, after just one season with the team in which he was benched for rookie Michael Penix Jr., a trade seems to be the most logical course of action.

The Falcons have privately had trade discussions with multiple teams. Atlanta has been asking teams to pay for $20 million of his $45 million guarantees. No team to this point has been willing.

Cousins signed a 4-year, $180 million deal with the Falcons in free agency last season. It was the largest contract signed in the free agency period. That’s a lot for any player, especially one who isn’t even starting.

There are some teams that could be in play for Cousins. The Cleveland Browns are viewed as the favorite to draft Cousins. ESPN reported that the Minnesota Vikings could be willing to reunite with Cousins for an asking price of $10 million instead of $20 million.

After signing Cousins to the massive contract last season, the Falcons drafted Penix with the eighth overall pick. Ideally, a trade would occur for Cousins following the draft so as not to get blindsided again. Trade partners for the Falcons will also become clearer if teams in the quarterback market target the position.

Cousins, despite a disappointing season overall, showed some flashes of why he was rewarded in free agency with a massive contract.

Cousins threw for 500 yards and four touchdowns on Thursday Night Football. He had two straight games against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys, where he combined for seven touchdowns and no interceptions.

If Cousins can get back to playing at a high level, a quarterback-needy team could find a starter for the foreseeable future.