NFL Trade Rumors: Kirk Cousins Isn't 'Completely Unavailable' by Falcons in FA

Kirk Cousins' future with the Atlanta Falcons is not solidified.

Marc Raimondi of ESPN reported that Cousins isn't "completely unavailable" this offseason but that the team would be content with Cousins as a backup and would seek "suitable compensation" in any potential trade.

"Completely unavailable? No. But the Falcons want suitable compensation in a trade," Raimondi wrote. "Atlanta is firm in its contention that it is comfortable with Cousins as the backup next season, considering it already allocated the funds for him as a starter. Multiple sources have said in recent days that a Cousins return is the most likely scenario, but don't be shocked if trade talks heat up when inevitable quarterback injuries happen over the next few months."

Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million contract with $90 million guaranteed ahead of the 2024 season with Atlanta. He threw for 3,508 yards with 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions in 14 games before being benched in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr.

Penix will likely be the starter in 2025, so Cousins would be an expensive backup if he remained with the franchise. He reportedly met with Falcons owner Arthur Blank to request a chance to start elsewhere in 2025, but the Falcons could opt to keep him as insurance under Penix.

The team could cut Cousins and face a significant dead cap hit. However, recouping some assets in a trade would be preferable, and a premium on quarterbacks could force a franchise to consider the move despite the impact on the team's salary cap.