Falcons Leak $45 Million Condition To Trade for Cousins

Falcons Leak $45 Million Condition to Trade for Cousins.”

Falcons Leak $45 Million Condition to Trade for Cousins — NFL World Stunned by Price Tag

In a bold and unexpected move, the Atlanta Falcons have reportedly leaked a steep financial condition to any team interested in acquiring veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins — a $45 million commitment that could reshape offseason strategies across the NFL. The reported requirement, which has been described by league insiders as “staggering” and “a calculated gamble,” adds a dramatic twist to an already tense quarterback market.

While the Falcons remain silent publicly, multiple sources have confirmed that the team would be willing to entertain offers for Cousins — but only if a team agrees to absorb $45 million in remaining contract obligations. The leak, whether strategic or accidental, has ignited league-wide chatter, with fans, analysts, and executives now questioning whether Atlanta is truly committed to Cousins at all.

A Surprise Leak at a Pivotal Moment

The leak comes just weeks before the 2025 NFL Draft and shortly after the Falcons raised eyebrows by selecting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in the first round of the 2024 draft. That decision, despite the recent signing of Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal, raised questions at the time. Now, with this latest leak, it appears the Falcons may be having second thoughts about their investment in the 36-year-old signal caller.

According to team insiders, the Falcons had hoped to build around Cousins for at least two seasons. However, internal evaluations following a rocky 2024 campaign — in which Cousins threw 18 touchdowns against 16 interceptions and finished the season with a 7-10 record — prompted the front office to begin exploring exit strategies.

“This isn’t just about performance. This is about the direction the franchise is going,” one executive close to the situation revealed. “They want to fully commit to Penix, but that becomes complicated when you’re paying Cousins top-tier QB money.”

Breaking Down the $45 Million Ask

The reported $45 million figure includes the remainder of Cousins’ 2025 base salary ($27.5 million), a prorated portion of his 2026 roster bonus ($10 million), and a $7.5 million restructuring fee from his original signing bonus. Essentially, the Falcons are asking any potential trade partner to shoulder nearly all of Cousins’ remaining guaranteed money — a move that many front offices are already describing as a “non-starter.”

From the Falcons’ perspective, the condition serves a dual purpose: either a team meets the demand, and they free up a massive chunk of cap space, or the price tag discourages inquiries and allows them to keep Cousins as a veteran backup and insurance policy for Penix.

“This is chess, not checkers,” one NFC South source said. “They’re setting the bar so high that only desperate or uniquely positioned teams would even consider biting.”

Who Could Afford This Deal?

A handful of teams are theoretically capable of absorbing such a financial commitment, but all come with complications.

• Minnesota Vikings: Cousins’ former team, where he played from 2018–2023, has been mentioned as a possible destination. Their quarterback room is currently unsettled, but reports suggest that Minnesota is reluctant to reacquire Cousins at a premium after moving on just over a year ago.
• Pittsburgh Steelers: With Kenny Pickett’s development stalling and backup Mitch Trubisky inconsistent, the Steelers could benefit from a veteran presence. However, their salary cap space is limited, and absorbing Cousins’ contract would likely require releasing or restructuring multiple players.
• New England Patriots: After struggling through a post-Brady identity crisis, the Patriots are rumored to be exploring veteran options to mentor their young talent. Yet, even for a franchise with deep pockets, $45 million for a potentially short-term fix is a major ask.
• Denver Broncos: With Russell Wilson out of the picture and a fresh rebuild underway, Denver is considered a dark horse in the Cousins sweepstakes. However, general manager George Paton — who originally brought Cousins to Minnesota — would need to weigh the cost against his team’s long-term rebuilding timeline.

Cousins’ No-Trade Clause Complicates Matters

One major hurdle in any trade scenario is Kirk Cousins’ no-trade clause, which allows him to veto any proposed deal. While some analysts believe Cousins might be open to leaving Atlanta given the current quarterback competition with Penix, others think he may prefer to remain in a familiar offensive system rather than start over yet again.

“He still believes he’s a starter in this league,” a former teammate said. “He’s not going to approve a trade to hold a clipboard or serve as a bridge.”

Sources close to Cousins say he feels blindsided by the Falcons’ shift in tone — from signing him as the franchise cornerstone in 2024 to potentially shipping him out after just one year. Still, Cousins has not made any public statements and has continued to attend offseason workouts.

What This Says About the Falcons’ Direction

The leak also signals a deeper identity shift for the Falcons. After missing the playoffs for the fifth straight ye