NFL teams don’t seem to be banging down the door to try and trade for Kirk Cousins, even with so many injuries to starting quarterbacks, and there’s a reason for that.
Multiple reports this week seemed to paint a picture of a diminished market for the veteran QB, coupled with a high asking price by the Falcons for the 37-year-old Cousins.
During a recent episode of the “Scoop City” podcast, The Athletic’s James Palmer suggested that some people around the NFL question whether the four-time Pro Bowler is the same quarterback he used to be.
“There were some people around the league that I talked to that think Kirk Cousins is essentially done,” Palmer said. “I don’t know if that’s a universal thought or not, so it has to be the right team that doesn’t think that.”
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport added to that on Thursday, reporting that “it does not seem that anyone has called the Falcons trying to trade for Kirk Cousins thus far in the season.”
Rapoport did add a bit of context to the situation, indicating that because of Cousin’s experience and value, it allows them to drive a hard bargain for him.
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“To me, the good reason is that Kirk Cousins has incredible value,” Rapoport said. “I know it’s $100 million and I know the Falcons are going to pay all of that, but really he is a proven starting quarterback who happens to be the backup quarterback. And if Michael Penix get hurt, Cousin will step in there. That allows the Falcons to drive a very, very hard bargain. In other words, if you are going to trade for Kirk Cousins, if you’re a team that says we got to have this guy, you’re going to have to play some of the salary and you’re going to have to give a real draft pick.
“That is the luxury the Falcons have. … Perhaps that is why we have not seen a deal yet.”
Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million contract before last season and then threw for 18 touchdowns with a league-high 16 interceptions.
He was then benched for Michael Penix, who has remained as the starter this year.