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Former Viking Kirk Cousins Has Requested Trade
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- Former Viking Kirk Cousins Has Requested Trade
Brett Davis-Imagn Images Brett Davis-Imagn Images
A couple of offseasons ago the Minnesota Vikings watched Kirk Cousins chase yet another payday as he went to the Atlanta Falcons. The deal almost-immediately went pear-shaped for the veteran quarterback as he watched the team draft his replacement with the literal first opportunity they had.
Fast forward to where we are now, and Kirk Cousins is nothing more than bench fodder for the Falcons. He was benched 14 games into his first year in Atlanta, and just made his first start of year two as an injury replacement for Michael Penix.
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Now the veteran wants out, and he wants to go somewhere he can play.
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Kirk Cousins wants out of Atlanta
On Sunday Kirk Cousins stepped in for Michael Penix as Atlanta's starter is dealing with a knee injury. It did not go well , and the Falcons dropped a contest to the previously 1-6 Miami Dolphins. With Penix trending towards a return, CBS Sports is reporting that Cousins would still like to be moved before the November 4 trade deadline.
The Falcons backup QB still desires an opportunity to start elsewhere, a person with knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports. They spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter. However, no trade appears to be imminent.
What level of interest there would be in Cousins remains to be seen. He hasn't been moved yet, despite wanting the same outcome over the offseason.
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His four-year, $180 million deal is something of an albatross. Cousins is earning $27.5 million this season and carries a $40 million cap hit. It's possible an acquiring team could use him the rest of this season, and then eat the $35 million in dead cap next year.
The reality though, is that the juice may simply not be worth the squeeze. Cousins was just 21-of-31 for 173 yards in his start last weekend. In 2024 he led the NFL with 16 interceptions despite playing in just 14 games.
Cousins has long been more notable for the bankroll he has amassed as opposed to the consequential wins he has provided. That isn't likely to change at this stage of his career, but the paydays should continue to dry up.
The Minnesota Vikings just signed veteran John Wolford as their third quarterback after it was announced Carson Wentz needs season-ending shoulder surgery .
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