NFL Trade Rumors: Atlanta Falcons Want "A Lot" for Kirk Cousins

The Atlanta Falcons are in a tricky spot with their veteran quarterback. In an article detailing his latest draft intel, ESPN's Adam Schefter revealed that the Falcons have privately discussed trades for quarterback Kirk Cousins with other teams but have "asked for a lot in return."

NFL draft intel: Everything we’re hearing ahead of Round 1 of Thursday night’s draft.https://t.co/7X6U85FDa4
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 21, 2025

Per Schefter, the Falcons want teams to pay $20 million of the remaining $45 million in guarantees remaining on Cousins' contract. Cousins' 2025 salary of $27.5 million is fully guaranteed, as is a $10 million roster bonus in 2026. Evidently, the Falcons are willing to cover a portion of those significant payouts.

Cousins has been rendered disposable on the Falcons, which naturally limits his trade value. After a promising 4-2 start, Cousins became untenable as a starter late in the 2024 season. The 36-year-old veteran threw a league-high 16 interceptions and fumbled an NFL-high 13 times over his 14 starts, leaving the Falcons no choice but to bench him for 2024 first-round pick Michael Penix.

Cutting Cousins outright would saddle the Falcons with an untenable $75 million in dead money over the next two years, so it makes sense that they're looking for a trade partner. Still, it takes two to tango. If the Falcons are going to successfully move Cousins, they'll need to offer him at an enticing price. Apparently, rival teams are unwilling to gamble much money on the 37-year-old.

There are still quarterback-needy teams out there. According to Schefter, teams may be willing to pay as much as $10 million of the guarantees remaining on Cousins' contract. The trick for the Falcons is to convince teams that Cousins is worth more. This past offseason, Daniel Jones landed a one-year, $14 million deal, and Justin Fields landed a two-year, $40 million deal. Is Cousins, a four-time Pro Bowler, really so far behind those players?

At this point, draft pick compensation is a secondary concern for the Falcons; Recouping cap space will help them much more. Landing even a mid-round pick for Cousins should be considered a bonus.