As the NFL offseason heats up, speculation surrounding Kirk Cousins’ future continues to grow.
While the veteran quarterback has been linked to the New York Jets, a trade remains up in the air for the current Atlanta Falcons’ QB.
Falcons face tough call on Kirk Cousins
Cousins, who signed a four-year, $180 million deal with the Falcons last offseason, now finds himself in an uncertain situation after Atlanta committed to second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
With his role in question, trade rumors have swirled, particularly connecting him to the Jets and Cleveland Browns.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox recently listed Cousins as a top trade candidate, noting that his previous connection to Jets senior football adviser Rick Spielman makes New York a logical destination.
Spielman, formerly the Minnesota Vikings’ general manager, was responsible for signing Cousins to the first fully guaranteed contract in NFL history.
Adding fuel to the speculation, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler pointed out that Cousins’ contract includes a roster bonus due in mid-March, creating an artificial deadline for a potential move.
However, one major obstacle remains: Cousins has a no-trade clause.
This means he controls his fate and could reject a move to any team he deems an unfavorable landing spot.
From the Jets’ perspective, the quarterback position remains a major question mark after parting ways with 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers.
The team could look to the draft or sign a veteran bridge quarterback, making Cousins an intriguing, albeit expensive, option.
Despite the potential fit, moving Cousins is easier said than done.
The Falcons would need a trade partner willing to take on his hefty contract, and Cousins himself would have to approve any deal.
While Atlanta would likely prefer to offload his salary rather than keep him as an overpaid backup, finding the right suitor remains a challenge.
For now, Cousins remains with the Falcons, and while the Jets may have interest, a trade is anything but imminent.
As the offseason unfolds, Atlanta’s approach to handling their quarterback situation will be one of the biggest storylines to watch.
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