Report: Kirk Cousins Makes Decision On Possible NFL Trade
03/24/2025 06:07 PM
Kirk Cousins likely won't be the next major quarterback domino to fall this offseason.
Late into his first season of a four-year, $180 million deal, the Atlanta Falcons benched Cousins for Michael Penix Jr. The Falcons, who let a $10 million guarantee vest on March 15, are reportedly prepared to keep the 36-year-old as an expensive backup in 2025. Yet some teams could pursue the four-time Pro Bowler.
However, Cousins has a full no-trade clause he could leverage to avoid a repeat of last year.
Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer noted that Cousins could block a trade made before the NFL Draft. Last year, he watched the Falcons take Penix with the No. 8 pick.
"Rather than taking anyone's word for it, Cousins has already signaled to teams that he would likely want to wait to see what happens over draft weekend before accepting a trade," Breer wrote. "In a way, that should also work for the teams, allowing them to go through a full draft process—and make decisions on guys such as Colorado's Shedeur Sanders and Ole Miss's Jaxson Dart independent of Cousins's destination."
ESPN's Adam Schefter noted the likelihood of Cousins taking that course when floating a potential Minnesota Vikings reunion last week.
"He's not going to make the same mistake again and sign off on going to a team and see that team then go draft Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders," Schefter said on his podcast.
Breer believes the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants will have "at least some interest" in acquiring Cousins. However, they could each draft Sanders or another quarterback with the No. 2 or 3 pick, respectively.
The insider also identified the Pittsburgh Steelers as a potential landing spot if they don't sign Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson.
While Cousins may not approve a trade over the next month, Breer said his camp is "amenable" to discussing details ahead of the draft on the stipulation that the acquiring team doesn't pick a quarterback in the first round.
"Of course, that would require working the money and compensation out ahead of time, and a lot can happen between now and the end of April," Breer said. "So, there are a ton of moving parts here."
Related: Adam Schefter Floats Trade Suitor For Falcons Quarterback Kirk Cousins
