The Atlanta Falcons are reportedly open to moving veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins ahead of the NFL trade deadline, but their asking price is drawing plenty of skepticism.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Atlanta wants a “premium pick” and for any acquiring team to eat a large portion of Cousins’ remaining salary.
How done are the Falcons with Kirk Cousins? Just listen to how emphatically Raheem Morris says NO when asked if Kirk Cousins is going to get a chance to compete for the starting QB job this week. pic.twitter.com/q9yTtIfKnW
— Dan Why-Ner (@ReallyDanWeiner) September 21, 2025
Falcons reveal steep asking price for QB Kirk Cousins
That stance comes just over a year after Atlanta gave Cousins a massive four-year, $180 million contract. His tenure quickly soured, with the Falcons drafting Michael Penix Jr. in the first round of 2024 and handing him the starting job.
Cousins’ struggles returning from Achilles surgery only reinforced the shift, as he posted a 7-7 record with 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions last season.
Kirk Cousins making $45M to hold a clipboard and watch the Falcons get smashed by the Carolina Panthers. pic.twitter.com/0iYKwnKl6q
— AJ Hoffman (@AJIsTheReal) September 21, 2025
The problem for Atlanta is leverage.
Cousins, 37, is owed $35 million in each of the next two seasons and carries a no-trade clause. Around the league, many view him as “done,” and no team has called to inquire despite quarterback injuries elsewhere.
With potential landing spots like the Cincinnati Bengals and San Francisco 49ers opting to stick with backups for now, the Falcons may need to lower expectations if they truly want to move him.
Photo Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
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