Disclaimer: The statements and opinions regarding players and/or potential future players in the article below are those of the AtlantaFalcons.com editorial staff and are not of the Atlanta Falcons' football personnel unless noted in a direct quote.
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — In a recent article for ESPN, Adam Schefter detailed the latest intel he's gathered regarding the future of quarterback Kirk Cousins and how the Falcons are approaching the NFL Draft.
Schefter begins his article by stating the Falcons have publicly said they're not interested in trading Cousins but that they would entertain offers. Despite Schefter's report, head coach Raheem Morris has clearly stated — most recently at the NFL Annual League Meetings last month — that the Falcons would be interested in making a deal happen.
"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," Morris said. "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."
Morris also expressed that Cousins has made his stance on the situation clear to the Falcons.
"I do know he would like to try to be a starter at some point," Morris said. "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."
What's more intriguing about Schefter's report is the compensation the Falcons are asking for as part of any potential trade, which is "a lot."
"Atlanta has asked for any acquiring team to pay $20 million of the $45 million worth of guarantees left on Cousins' contract," Schefter reported. "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."
Schefter went on to say it could all be fluid, though. For example, If negotiations involve draft picks, either for this year or the future, the value of the picks gained could be tied to the amount of Cousins' salary that team would assume.
"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."
There are a number of quarterback dominoes that need to fall before a hypothetical Cousins domino does. Aaron Rodgers has yet to make a decision. Derek Carr's injury could throw a wrinkle into New Orleans' draft plans. Plus, who knows what the Giants will do. While answers to those situations could manifest this weekend, Cousins' future will remain in the back of everyone's minds.
