Latest Kirk Cousins Trade Rumors, Falcons Reportedly 'Asked for A Lot' from Teams

The Atlanta Falcons have "asked for a lot" in return for quarterback Kirk Cousins when privately discussing trades with opposing teams, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

"Atlanta has asked for any acquiring team to pay $20 million of the $45 million worth of guarantees left on Cousins' contract," Schefter reported Monday. "To date, no has been willing to do that, and no team is expected to be willing to."

There's also a "feeling around the league" that a team such as the Minnesota Vikings or Pittsburgh Steelers may be willing to pay down $10 million in order to add Cousins, per Schefter.

Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer previously reported that the veteran quarterback might wait until after the 2025 NFL draft to accept a trade.

Atlanta could also benefit from being patient, as teams that fail to land a signal-caller near the top of the draft could be more willing to acquire a short-term option under center heading into the 2025 season.

Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million contract that contained $100 million guaranteed to join the Falcons as a free agent during the 2024 offseason.

In 14 starts with Atlanta, he completed 66.9 percent of his throws for 3,508 yards and 18 touchdowns compared to 16 interceptions. Cousins was ultimately benched in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. for the final three weeks of the regular season.

Opposing teams reportedly aren't willing to meet the Falcons' high asking price, but a trade agreement could still be reached if their compensation demands eventually decrease.