Is Kirk Cousins Waiting to Request a Trade After 2025 NFL Draft?

Kirk Cousins‘ future with the Atlanta Falcons seems unsure because the veteran quarterback is plotting his subsequent transfer. After having his $10 million assure locked in earlier this month, Cousins is in no rush to determine.

Instead, he is ready till after the 2025 NFL Draft to facilitate a commerce, aiming to land with a staff the place he can safe a beginning place with out competitors from a rookie.

Why Kirk Cousins Is Waiting to Request a Trade

Cousins, 37, is taking a calculated strategy after his expertise final season, in accordance with Sports Illustrated. In 2024, Cousins signed a large four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons, just for the staff to draft Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 total choose a month later. Penix shortly took over the beginning function, leaving Cousins on the sidelines.

This time, Cousins needs to keep away from an identical state of affairs. Cousins prefers to attend till after the 2025 NFL Draft to evaluate which groups are nonetheless in want of a veteran quarterback. He goals to hitch a staff the place he can step in because the quick starter with out the looming risk of being changed by a younger prospect.

Potential Landing Spots for Kirk Cousins

Several groups might be out there for a confirmed quarterback after the draft. The Tennessee Titans maintain the No. 1 total choose and are prone to choose a quarterback, eliminating them as a vacation spot. The Cleveland Browns and New York Giants, selecting at No. 2 and No. 3 respectively, are additionally anticipated to focus on younger signal-callers.

However, different groups may emerge as viable choices for Cousins together with the Pittsburgh Steelers, in accordance with CBS Sports. If the Steelers’ pursuit of Aaron Rodgers falls by way of, Cousins might be a powerful fallback choice. Pittsburgh is in search of stability at quarterback after inconsistent play lately.

Another staff within the combine is the Minnesota Vikings. Although the Vikings have invested in J.J. McCarthy as their future quarterback, a reunion with Cousins might be attainable if issues do not go as deliberate in 2025.

Financial Hurdles in Moving Cousins

Cousins nonetheless has three years left on his profitable deal, which carries a remaining $155 million dedication. His contract features a assured $27.5 million wage for 2025 and a prorated signing bonus of $12.5 million, bringing his cap quantity to a hefty $40 million.

The Falcons, nevertheless, have a possible out after the 2026 season, giving them some flexibility in managing Cousins’ future. Despite his excessive price ticket, groups needing an skilled quarterback might be keen to soak up the monetary burden to safe a confirmed starter.

Cousins’ Declining Performance is Also an Issue

Cousins’ latest efficiency raises some issues for potential suitors. In his closing 5 begins with the Falcons final season, he struggled, finishing simply 62.7% of his passes with one landing and 9 interceptions. The Falcons went 1-4 in these video games, and Cousins’ 16 interceptions tied for the league lead.

Overall, Cousins threw for 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions in 2024, posting an 88.6 passer score — a big drop from his common manufacturing.