Price Tag Too High? Schefter Reveals Falcons’ Demands as Kirk Cousins Trade Talks Stall — Could Atlanta’s $180M Gamble End on the Bench?
The Atlanta Falcons find themselves stuck in quarterback limbo as trade talks involving veteran signal-caller Kirk Cousins have reportedly hit a wall — and the sticking point is all about money.
According to NFL insider Adam Schefter, the team’s demand that trade partners absorb a significant portion of Cousins’ massive contract has scared off potential suitors. On a recent episode of The Adam Schefter Podcast, the ESPN journalist shed light on the behind-the-scenes negotiations, stating that Atlanta initially requested as much as $20 million be picked up by the acquiring team — a price that may be too steep for even the most quarterback-needy franchises.
“The Falcons, despite public comments, have indeed asked teams to pay a considerable chunk of Kirk Cousins’ salary,” Schefter revealed. “One team confirmed to me directly that Atlanta asked them to take on $20 million. So yes, those figures are accurate.”
This revelation comes on the heels of the 2025 NFL Draft, a key window for potential trades that has now closed with Cousins still on Atlanta’s roster. Despite months of speculation and numerous reports tying Cousins to teams like the Vikings, Steelers, and Browns, none were willing to bite — especially at that cost.
A High-Priced Bench Option?
Cousins, 36, signed a four-year, $180 million deal with the Falcons before the 2024 season, only for Atlanta to shock the NFL world by drafting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 overall pick shortly afterward. What followed was a rocky year: Cousins threw a league-high 16 interceptions, was benched in the final stretch of the season, and watched as Penix assumed the starting role.
Despite initial reassurances that Cousins was the starter, it became increasingly clear that the Falcons were planning for a future without him — and trying to trade him before his value deteriorated further. But now, with most quarterback vacancies filled through the draft or free agency, Atlanta may be out of time.
Rapoport: Few Options Remain
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport echoed Schefter’s analysis, suggesting on The Pat McAfee Show that most doors for Cousins have closed. The Steelers remain a faint possibility, especially if Aaron Rodgers declines a potential deal with Pittsburgh, but other rumored landing spots seem to have dried up.
“The Browns drafted Shedeur Sanders, the Vikings traded for Sam Howell — it’s hard to find a team that makes sense anymore,” Rapoport said. “At this point, Cousins may very well end up staying in Atlanta as the backup.”
Stuck in a Self-Made Bind
If Cousins does remain with the Falcons, it would make him one of the most expensive backup quarterbacks in NFL history. His presence on the depth chart — combined with a no-trade clause — could also complicate locker room dynamics and the team’s cap situation.
Bleacher Report summarized the situation bluntly:
“Atlanta committed to Cousins financially, then undercut that commitment by drafting his replacement. Now they’re paying for both and playing only one.”
The Falcons have claimed they’re comfortable keeping Cousins on the roster, but actions speak louder than words — and the persistent trade rumors suggest they’d prefer to offload his contract. The question is whether they’re willing to eat enough of that contract to make it happen.
Until then, Cousins — once viewed as the franchise’s immediate future — may be forced to watch from the sidelines as Penix leads the Falcons into a new era.
What’s Next?
Unless a sudden injury opens up a quarterback spot elsewhere in the league or the Falcons dramatically lower their trade demands, Kirk Cousins could remain in Atlanta — not as the face of the franchise, but as its most expensive backup plan.
Stay tuned as this quarterback standoff continues to unfold heading into training camp.
