A new storyline has emerged in the 2025 NFL offseason surrounding veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. Amid trade rumors linking him to the Cleveland Browns, one condition could ultimately determine the final decision of the Atlanta Falcons.
For now, Atlanta has not provided significant clues about its plans regarding Cousins. In recent hours, reports have grown suggesting that Cleveland is interested in acquiring the 36-year-old quarterback, who even visited the city recently.
As rumors continue to grow, so do speculations about what each party involved might do. According to NBC Sports, insider Mike Florio provided an important detail to consider when analyzing the possible scenarios for Cousins’ future.
What would be the condition for Cousins on the Falcons?
According to Florio, the salary restructuring is the key condition that will determine whether the Falcons decide to keep Cousins or trade him. “The Cousins contract has a provision allowing the Falcons to automatically restructure the deal, whenever they want. They have not yet exercised that right. Doing so would create up to $20.996 million in 2025 cap space. If they’re serious about keeping Cousins for 2025, it would make sense to create another $20 million in cap space,” he explained.
Kirk Cousins, quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons
What is certain is that there is little chance of a restructure if the Falcons are thinking of trading him, so this condition will be critical to understanding whether or not Cousins will continue his career in Atlanta, which will have Michael Penix Jr. as its starting quarterback.
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What will Cousins do?
If Cousins stays in Atlanta, it will be as a backup, so at his age it would be natural to consider a trade if his desire is to get minutes on the field. Waiting until the days after the NFL Draft is the right time to get traded as the Browns continue to get closer.
