In a recent ESPN article, Adam Schefter shared insights about the future of quarterback Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons’ strategy for the upcoming NFL Draft. Despite the Falcons’ public statements of disinterest in trading Cousins, head coach Raheem Morris expressed a different perspective.
Morris acknowledged, “I understand this is a business decision. Because obviously we’re getting ready to come into some voluntary work. I know exactly who (Cousins) is. There’s definitely a human side. You want to see him go on to be the best version of himself. This is not a thing where we’re holding you back. If the opportunity presents itself as something that’s good for both of us – it’s good for the Falcons and for Kirk Cousins – we’d certainly like to see that happen.”
Cousins evidently communicated his desire to be a starter at some point to the Falcons. Morris noted, “I do know he would like to try to be a starter at some point. That’s definitely been clearly communicated with me and whoever I see an opportunity to talk to. I do know that. The way about that, I’m not sure. But we have to figure those things out. We have to get to that process.”
The potential trade’s complexity lies in the compensation sought by the Falcons, reportedly “a lot.” According to Schefter, “Atlanta has asked for any acquiring team to pay $20 million of the $45 million worth of guarantees left on Cousins’ contract. To date, no has been willing to do that, and no team is expected to be willing to. But what happens this weekend — and which franchises come out of the draft with or without rookie quarterbacks — could influence how much guaranteed money a team might be willing to absorb on Cousins’ contract.”
Negotiations, including draft picks, could affect the compensation related to Cousins’ salary. “How much any team would be willing to pay also would influence the compensation it gives up,” Schefter wrote. “The higher the payment, the lower the draft compensation; the lower the payment, the higher the draft compensation.”
The piece concludes by noting other factors that could influence quarterback trades, such as decisions by players like Aaron Rodgers, Derek Carr’s injury affecting New Orleans, and the New York Giants’ plans. These elements may determine Cousins’ future in the coming days.
