NFL Rumors: Kirk Cousins, Falcons expected to part ways with only two teams willing to pay part of his salary

Kirk Cousins is one of the most experienced quarterbacks currently in the NFL, and the Atlanta Falcons made a strong bet on him just months ago. Despite that, his starting role with the team is not guaranteed, and the franchise might not be opposed to a potential trade—especially if another team is willing to take on his contract.

Last season, Cousins reached a lucrative deal with the Falcons worth $180 million over four years. However, the team’s decision to draft Penix Jr. and the former Vikings player inconsistent performances, have led Atlanta to place their bet on the young quarterback moving forward.

With that said, the question many are now asking is: Where will Cousins play next season? While there are still many uncertainties surrounding the situation, NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported the possibility that either the Minnesota Vikings or the Pittsburgh Steelers could acquire his services—if they’re willing to pay a reasonable price for him.

“There is a feeling around the league that a team, whether it is the Vikings or Steelers, might be willing to pay down roughly $10 million,” Schefter wrote on ESPN.com. “How much any team would be willing to pay also would influence the compensation it gives up. The higher the payment, the lower the draft compensation; the lower the payment, the higher the draft compensation.”

Kirk Cousins #18 and Michael Penix Jr. #9 of the Atlanta Falcons look on during warmups before playing the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 22, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.

What does the future hold for Cousins?

With the draft just around the corner and teams finalizing their rosters, the Atlanta Falcons are not immune to the uncertainty—and these are decisive moments to determine what will ultimately happen with Kirk Cousins. While the franchise had previously stated they had no intention of parting ways with the veteran quarterback, a strong enough offer could force them to reconsider.

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“Publicly, the Falcons have said they’re not interested in trading quarterback Kirk Cousins but that they’d entertain offers if the right deal was on the table. Privately, they have had discussions with teams — and have asked for a lot in return, per sources,” Adam Schefter of ESPN reported.

“Atlanta has asked for any acquiring team to pay $20 million of the $45 million worth of guarantees left on Cousins’ contract. To date, no has been willing to do that, and no team is expected to be willing to,” he finally concluded.

Kirk Cousins’ history with the Vikings

The Vikings could potentially become Cousins’ home once again, if a deal is ultimately reached. The veteran quarterback had a lengthy stint in the NFC North, having joined Minnesota in 2018 after coming over from Washington.

During his time with this team , Kirk Cousins established himself as one of the most productive quarterbacks in franchise history. He holds the franchise record for the most 300-yard passing games in a single season with seven, achieved in both 2015 and 2016, and leads all Vikings quarterbacks in career 300-yard passing games with 23.

In addition to those marks, he also set single-season franchise records for both pass completions and pass attempts. He completed 406 passes in one regular season, while attempting 606 throws—showcasing his central role in the team’s offensive game plan.