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After an injury-plagued first year on his $180 million deal, the Falcons appear ready to move on, with Michael Penix Jr. entrenched as the starter.
However, Atlanta's reported demand that any trade partner absorb $20 million of Cousins’ remaining guaranteed salary has stalled talks. As Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport notes, the Falcons may have to lower both their financial demands and draft pick expectations to find a willing suitor.
#Falcons QB Kirk Cousins has reported to voluntary workouts, per @ZachKleinWSB.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) April 22, 2025
The belief is Cousins and his camp prefer to wait until after the draft before exploring trade options — but for now, he’s in the building. Atlanta is paying him $27.5M fully-guaranteed this season. pic.twitter.com/EINLhPK89o
Three realistic trade destinations stand out.
The New Orleans Saints, facing uncertainty with Derek Carr possibly needing season-ending shoulder surgery, could offer a fourth-round pick in 2025 and a sixth in 2026 in exchange for Cousins and a seventh-rounder.
The Pittsburgh Steelers—currently lacking a proven quarterback after losing Justin Fields and Russell Wilson—might be willing to part with a 2025 fifth-rounder and a 2026 seventh if they miss out on a top rookie.
Gerry Dulac told The Rich Eisen Show that Pittsburgh is considering a veteran like Cousins as part of their plan, depending on how the draft unfolds.
🚨NFL RUMORS: #Vikings player reportely prefer the team to bring back Kirk Cousins over Aaron Rodgers.
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) April 22, 2025
Justin Jefferson and Kirk Cousins are very close. pic.twitter.com/6pbUygSYl6
A third potential home is Minnesota, where Cousins played six seasons before departing in 2024. With J.J. McCarthy recovering from a major knee injury, the Vikings could view a reunion as a short-term solution.
A return might cost them only a 2026 fifth-rounder and a 2027 sixth, while also sending back a seventh-rounder.
As ESPN’s Adam Schefter noted, teams are only willing to take on a fraction of Cousins’ remaining salary, which directly impacts what the Falcons can recoup. Unless Atlanta adjusts their stance soon, they may be forced to carry an expensive backup into the season.
Photo Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
