Adam Schefter Reveals Falcons’ Asking Price for Kirk Cousins Trade
As the NFL offseason continues to unfold, teams across the league are looking to improve their rosters ahead of the upcoming season. One of the most intriguing storylines of this offseason has been the potential trade of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, a move that could significantly impact the quarterback landscape in the NFL.
In a bombshell revelation, ESPN’s Adam Schefter recently reported that the Atlanta Falcons are actively pursuing a trade for Cousins and have set a steep asking price for the Minnesota Vikings’ longtime signal caller. This move has raised plenty of questions about the Falcons’ direction and their belief in Cousins’ ability to elevate their franchise. What’s more, this trade could mark a significant turning point for both teams involved—the Falcons looking for a proven, playoff-caliber quarterback, and the Vikings potentially turning the page on their long-standing QB.
In this article, we will explore the details of the reported trade scenario, the Falcons’ motivations for pursuing Cousins, Minnesota’s position in the trade talks, and the ramifications for both teams and the league.
Kirk Cousins: A Proven, But Polarizing Quarterback
Before diving into the specifics of the trade negotiations, it’s important to understand Kirk Cousins’ legacy and what he brings to the table as a quarterback. Entering his 13th NFL season in 2025, Cousins has built a career that is, in many ways, a testament to both consistency and frustration.
Cousins is widely regarded as one of the more statistically productive quarterbacks in the NFL. Over the course of his career, he has passed for over 4,000 yards in eight of his twelve seasons, with a completion percentage that consistently hovers around 65%. Despite putting up solid numbers, Cousins has been viewed by many as a “good, but not great” quarterback, often falling short in high-pressure moments. His struggles in the postseason have particularly clouded his reputation. Cousins has just one playoff win in his career, which came during the 2019 season against the New Orleans Saints.
Despite his reputation for faltering in big games, Cousins’ value in the NFL is undeniable. He possesses excellent mechanics, can make all the necessary throws, and is highly regarded for his leadership in the locker room. His experience in Mike Zimmer’s offense with the Minnesota Vikings has also provided him with the ability to thrive in both up-tempo and pro-style systems.
Over the last few seasons, the Vikings have been one of the more competitive teams in the NFC, largely due to Cousins’ play. However, Minnesota’s decision to explore trading Cousins is linked to both his age (he will turn 36 during the 2025 season) and his contract status. Cousins has one year left on his contract and is set to make a significant amount of money in 2025, which complicates the trade discussions.
For a team like the Falcons, Cousins could provide a short-term solution at quarterback, helping stabilize the offense and potentially elevate the team to contention in the NFC South.
Adam Schefter’s Report: Falcons’ Aggressive Pursuit of Cousins
On the heels of the 2025 NFL Draft, Adam Schefter reported that the Atlanta Falcons have emerged as a team heavily involved in trade discussions for Kirk Cousins. According to Schefter, the Falcons are “actively pursuing” a trade for the veteran quarterback and have set a steep asking price to acquire him. While the exact figures of the asking price are still being worked out, Schefter notes that the Falcons are seeking a combination of high-value draft picks, possibly including multiple first-round selections.
This report sent shockwaves through the NFL, as it suggests the Falcons are prepared to make a significant investment in their quarterback position—potentially signaling the end of their experiment with young quarterback Desmond Ridder, who has shown flashes of potential but remains unproven as a long-term starter. For a team like Atlanta, which has experienced its fair share of quarterback struggles over the past decade, the chance to bring in a proven veteran like Cousins is a move that makes sense on paper.
However, the steep asking price raises a number of questions about how realistic a Cousins trade really is. What would the Falcons be willing to give up for a quarterback who is not necessarily a long-term solution? How much are they willing to sacrifice for a chance to contend in the NFC South with a 36-year-old QB? And, most importantly, how does Cousins fit into Atlanta’s long-term plans?
Why the Falcons are Pursuing Kirk Cousins
From the Falcons’ perspective, the pursuit of Kirk Cousins is a no-brainer. After spending the past few seasons navigating the uncertainty of the quarterback position, the Falcons appear ready to make a move that could solidify their offense for the near future. Let’s break down the primary reasons why Atlanta might be targeting Cousins in this trade:
1. Immediate Upgrade at Quarterback
The Falcons have struggled to find a stable quarterback since Matt Ryan’s departure in 2022. While Desmond Ridder showed flashes of promise in his rookie season, his inconsistencies have raised doubts about his ability to lead the team to sustained success. Ridder’s 2024 season was marked by growing pains, with the Falcons finishing 8-9 and missing the playoffs.
Cousins, on the other hand, offers a much higher floor. He has consistently posted solid numbers throughout his career and would provide an immediate upgrade at the quarterback position. In a division like the NFC South, which is in a state of transition, having a veteran signal-caller who can manage the game, make big throws, and limit mistakes would give the Falcons a leg up on the competition.
With a talented offensive line, strong running game led by running back Bijan Robinson, and an emerging group of pass catchers (including tight end Kyle Pitts and wide receiver Drake London), Cousins could be the missing piece that takes the Falcons’ offense to the next level.
2. Contending in the NFC South
The NFC South has become one of the most unpredictable divisions in the NFL. The New Orleans Saints are rebuilding under new leadership, the Carolina Panthers are working through a quarterback change, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in the midst of a transition away from Tom Brady. The Falcons, despite their issues at quarterback, still have a solid roster that could compete for a division title in 2025.
With Cousins under center, the Falcons could be positioned to make a playoff push, especially given that the NFC South could be wide open. Cousins’ experience in clutch moments could give Atlanta a significant advantage in tight division games, especially with the Saints and Panthers still figuring things out at quarterback.
3. Bridge to the Future
While Cousins is not a long-term solution at quarterback, his presence could buy the Falcons time to develop a younger quarterback in the system. Whether that means selecting a QB in the 2025 draft or giving Ridder more time to develop behind Cousins, acquiring a veteran like Kirk Cousins allows Atlanta to be more patient in their approach to finding a future franchise QB.
Cousins’ two-year window of elite play could provide the necessary stability for the Falcons to build a stronger team around the quarterback position, while also keeping their options open for the future.
Minnesota’s Position: Why Trade Cousins Now?
From the Minnesota Vikings’ perspective, trading Kirk Cousins would be a difficult decision but one that may make sense given the current state of the franchise. Minnesota has spent several years with Cousins as their starting quarterback, but the team has yet to achieve consistent postseason success with him at the helm. While Cousins’ performance has been steady, his inability to win the big games has left the Vikings in a position where they might want to look for a different path forward.
1. Cap Space and Salary Considerations
Cousins is scheduled to make $35 million in 2025, which is a hefty salary for a quarterback nearing the end of his prime. The Vikings may be looking to free up cap space in order to build a more well-rounded team, especially in areas like defense and the offensive line. Trading Cousins would provide them with flexibility to pursue other roster improvements.
2. Time to Transition to the Future
Cousins has been a stabilizing force in Minnesota, but the Vikings’ long-term future may lie in a younger quarterback. The Vikings may be looking to draft a quarterback in 2025, and trading Cousins now would allow them to reset at the position. Minnesota could use the picks they receive in the trade to move up in the draft or add young, dynamic players to their roster, particularly on defense, where they have struggled in recent years.
Trade Package: What Would It Take for Atlanta to Land Cousins?
Adam Schefter’s report revealed that the Falcons are asking for a substantial return in a trade for Kirk Cousins, and it’s easy to see why. As a veteran quarterback with a proven track record, Cousins is worth a significant investment. For Atlanta, the price might include a first-round pick in 2025, possibly a second or third-round pick in future drafts, and perhaps a player or two to match Minnesota’s needs.
While the exact trade package is still up in the air, it’s clear that the Falcons would need to give up multiple assets to acquire Cousins. The question is: will the Falcons be willing to part with that kind of draft capital for a quarterback who is not a long-term solution?
