Overview

• Kirk Cousins, carrying a four-year, $180 million contract with $45 million in guarantees, is currently the NFL's most expensive backup quarterback after being benched in 2024.
• The Atlanta Falcons are privately seeking $20 million in guarantee coverage from any acquiring team, but no teams, including the Vikings and Steelers, have agreed to exceed $10 million so far.
• The Falcons are balancing their demand for financial relief with draft compensation, as they aim to address critical roster gaps, particularly in their pass rush, through upcoming picks.
• A proposed trade structure from Heavy Sports involves the Vikings sending player Gabriel Murphy and a conditional draft pick to Atlanta, though this remains speculative and unconfirmed.
• League insiders note that any trade involving Cousins is unlikely to occur until after June 1, when the Falcons' salary cap hit would be reduced, adding further delays to the negotiations.