Kirk Cousins’ name once again made its way into the NFL rumor scene, but this time the narrative is more about why the Atlanta Falcons would like to keep him and less about where he could go.

While the veteran QB is an obvious target for the Cincinnati Bengals, Atlanta seems determined to retain its veteran quarterback as an insurance policy for the backup spot behind starter Michael Penix Jr.“First, the facts part of it. It does not seem like anyone has called the Falcons trying to trade for Kirk Cousins thus far in the season,” Rapoport began on The Insiders.

“It’s early, but we have had a significant quarterback injury, Joe Burrow, obviously. So, worth noting that the Bengals have not called anyone for possibly trading for a veteran quarterback. But there is a good reason for that.”

The Grade 3 turf toe that Burrow suffered during the game against the Jaguars has sidelined him for three months, at least. Of course, his relief, Jake Browning, threw for 241 yards and two touchdowns, and the Bengals ended the game as the winning side. But those three interceptions he recorded might raise some serious questions as to whether he is going to be a sustainable choice. Kirk Cousins could be an answer. But is he a feasible option for the Bengals?

“Cousins has incredible value. 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,” Rapoport added. That leverage enables Atlanta to “drive a very, very hard bargain,” so that any team that wanted to acquire Cousins would need to take on a big chunk of his salary and include significant draft compensation. Kirk Cousins inked a four-year, $180 million deal with the Falcons in 2024, featuring $100 million in guaranteed money.

Kirk Cousins is technically a backup by title, but he’s turning out to be irreplaceable to Atlanta’s long-term strategy. Sure, last season’s numbers—3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions—were not his best. But let’s not forget that the Falcons had a 6-3 record last season before he got hit hard on his right arm by Saints defender Payton Turner in Week 10.

He never managed to turn things around after that, rushing his recovery out of the fear that he’d lose his starting position to Michael Penix Jr. Unfortunately for him, that’s exactly what happened. So, nothing would make him happier than a fresh crack at a starting role. And if the Bengals are out for the time being, can his former team prove to be the answer to his prayers?

Kirk Cousins-Vikings trade rumors

The Minnesota Vikings went back to veteran quarterback Carson Wentz in Week 3, as JJ McCarthy will be out two to four weeks with a high ankle sprain. Even with Desmond Riddler and undrafted rookie Max Brosmer also on the depth chart, there remain doubts about whether the QB room is good enough. Naturally, that has helped fuel rumors of a potential trade for Cousins, who spent multiple years in Minnesota and is familiar with head coach Kevin O’Connell’s system.

Kirk Cousins had a 101.2 passer rating with 23,265 yards, 171 touchdowns, and 55 interceptions in 88 games for the Vikings. However, Dianna Russini of The Athletic on the Scoop City podcast says it isn’t likely to happen. ”We know Kirk wants to get out of there,” Russini stated. “He wants to be a starter somewhere. He wants an opportunity to play. Unfortunately, from what I can gather, the Atlanta Falcons are not trying to move him at this moment.” She added that the veteran’s salary makes it hard for Minnesota or any other team to trade for him.

Cousins’ familiarity with Minnesota’s offense, along with the Vikings’ current quarterback situation, lends a basis for the rumor. But for the time being, all indicators are for Cousins to stay with the Falcons, at least for the first half of the season. The Falcons can also cut him after the season with a relatively more manageable $35 million dead-cap burden. In the meantime, Cousins will continue to be both an expensive backup and a possible midseason trade asset, depending on what happens with injuries and playoff hunts throughout the league.

For Cousins, it means waiting patiently while maintaining readiness to step in or be traded if circumstances change. For the Vikings, it means soldiering on with Wentz and hoping McCarthy returns soon. And for the rest of the league, it’s a clear signal that proven quarterbacks under contract won’t come cheap.