When the Minnesota Vikings and quarterback Kirk Cousins parted ways after the 2023 NFL season, many fans probably thought they had finally rid themselves of hearing about the veteran passer and his massive contracts.
When the Atlanta Falcons signed him to a four-year deal worth $180 million with an out after two years, the response from the public was over the top. A quarterback in his mid-30s coming off an Achilles tendon injury getting that long of a deal with that kind of money and a no-trade clause was a bit mind-blowing.
Former Minnesota Vikings QB Kirk Cousins' future is intriguing
Now, Minnesota Vikings fans might be wondering what is next for Kirk Cousins. Last season, he was benched in favor of a rookie, Michael Penix Jr. after struggling mightily in Atlanta's first 14 games, throwing a career-high 16 interceptions.
Atlanta seems ready to continue with Penix during the 2025 NFL season but now they are in a sticky situation. Cousins' massive contract and no-trade clause make it tough to move on from him before the out in his contract after two season.
The Falcons made their stance a little clearer on Monday when they announced the signing of another quarterback. Although Easton Stick isn't a player who is going to fight for a starting job in 2025, he is a solid depth quarterback with experience that could be behind Penix but a better option in a pinch than Emory Jones.
With four quarterbacks on their roster before the 2025 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons may be showing their cards. They maintain that they are willing to trade Cousins if the situation makes sense, but aren't actively seeking a trade, but now they may be a bit more aggressive in moving on from the 36-year-old quarterback.
If the rumblings of NFL insider Adam Schefter are accurate, Atlanta might be doing some fishing for a possible trade of Cousins. According to an article published by Peter Schrager on ESPN, the Falcons have engaged in some dialogue about shipping the former Minnesota and Washington quarterback out of the ATL.
But that deal would be costly for a team acquiring Cousins, as it is being reported that the team trading for his services is being asked to pick up $20 million of his $45 million in guaranteed money as part of the deal.
As it stands, that is a big ask of a team. Considering his play last season, the amount of salary cap it would take to have him on the roster, and the compensation in the trade, finding a team willing to do all that for the opportunity to have former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins on their roster is a long shot.