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As we inch closer to Day 1 of the 2025 NFL draft, trade talks appear to be picking up around the league. A new pre-draft report from ESPN's Adam Schefter said the Atlanta Falcons have discussed trading quarterback Kirk Cousins with multiple teams.
While the Falcons have suggested that Cousins could return to back up Michael Penix Jr., both parties would be better off going their separate ways in 2025. The 36-year-old has $45 million left in guaranteed money on his contract. According to Schefter, the Falcons are attempting to offload some of that money in trade.
"Privately, they have had discussions with teams -- and have asked for a lot in return, per sources," wrote Schefter. "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."
Atlanta is fighting an uphill battle if it believes another team will take on a big chunk of Cousins' contract and also give up decent trade compensation. However, Schefter explains that potential suitors could be willing to pay a smaller portion of the contract, especially if one of the QB-needy teams fails to land a quarterback in this draft.
"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," explained Schefter. "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."
Last offseason, Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million contract with $100 million guaranteed. Despite a promising 6-3 start, Cousins' production dropped off significantly in the second half. After tossing 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions over the first nine games, he threw one touchdown and nine interceptions over his next five games.
The Falcons benched Cousins for Michael Penix Jr in Week 16 and don't plan on going back. Penix looked sharp in his three starts and will enter the 2025 season as the clear-cut starter at quarterback.
The team currently holds the 15th overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft but has just four other selections and two of them are in the seventh round. With that in mind, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the team trade down to acquire more picks.
The 2025 NFL draft begins on Thursday, April 24 at 8 p.m. ET.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Kirk Cousins: Falcons discuss trading QB ahead of 2025 NFL draft
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While the Falcons have suggested that Cousins could return to back up Michael Penix Jr., both parties would be better off going their separate ways in 2025. The 36-year-old has $45 million left in guaranteed money on his contract. According to Schefter, the Falcons are attempting to offload some of that money in trade.
"Privately, they have had discussions with teams -- and have asked for a lot in return, per sources," wrote Schefter. "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."
Atlanta is fighting an uphill battle if it believes another team will take on a big chunk of Cousins' contract and also give up decent trade compensation. However, Schefter explains that potential suitors could be willing to pay a smaller portion of the contract, especially if one of the QB-needy teams fails to land a quarterback in this draft.
"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," explained Schefter. "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."
Last offseason, Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million contract with $100 million guaranteed. Despite a promising 6-3 start, Cousins' production dropped off significantly in the second half. After tossing 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions over the first nine games, he threw one touchdown and nine interceptions over his next five games.
The Falcons benched Cousins for Michael Penix Jr in Week 16 and don't plan on going back. Penix looked sharp in his three starts and will enter the 2025 season as the clear-cut starter at quarterback.
The team currently holds the 15th overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft but has just four other selections and two of them are in the seventh round. With that in mind, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the team trade down to acquire more picks.
The 2025 NFL draft begins on Thursday, April 24 at 8 p.m. ET.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Kirk Cousins: Falcons discuss trading QB ahead of 2025 NFL draft
Continue reading...
