Atlanta Falcons Consider Trade for Overpaid Kirk Cousins
The Atlanta Falcons’ decision to sign veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract during the 2024 offseason has proven challenging. Initially seen as a savvy move, Cousins never fully embraced his new role, struggling to perform at a level that justified his hefty salary. His inconsistent play eventually led to the Falcons losing faith and finding themselves in a difficult position with his contract.
The Immediate Dilemma
With the Falcons looking forward to the 2024 season, the question of Cousins’ future looms large. Michael Penix Jr. has already secured the starting quarterback position, making Cousins an overpaid backup. The team faces a tough decision: either to cut Cousins, resulting in a significant dead cap hit, or to find a trade partner that could alleviate their financial burden.
One option is for the Falcons to release Cousins, which would cost them approximately $65 million in dead cap space. This financial strain might force the Falcons to reconsider their options, as finding a suitable replacement for Penix becomes a priority.
A Bold Proposal
Bleacher Report proposed a series of blockbuster trades that could reshape the NFL landscape, including a move that sends Cousins to the Cleveland Browns. This trade could potentially be a win-win for both teams. After offloading Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Chargers, the Browns need a reliable quarterback to help bridge the gap until Deshaun Watson returns from his Achilles injuries.
After dealing Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Chargers, they can bring in a bridge quarterback to fill the void while Deshaun Watson recovers from two Achilles tears. The Browns can still take a quarterback with the No. 2 overall pick. Alternatively, they could also target edge-rusher Abdul Carter or receiver-cornerback Travis Hunter with Cousins on the roster on a manageable deal. Cleveland may get the Falcons to pay some of Cousins’ 2025 salary. — Bleacher Report
The Potential Outcomes
A trade between the Falcons and Browns pre-June 1 could significantly improve Atlanta’s financial standing. In such a scenario, Atlanta could free up over $27 million in cap space, lowering their dead cap hit to about $12.5 million. This adjustment would provide much-needed room for the team to make other strategic moves.
However, if a deal is negotiated after June 1, the financial impact for Atlanta would be more severe. In a post-June 1 trade, Atlanta would still surrender a fourth-round pick to the Browns but would also assume a larger portion of Cousins’ salary, leading to a dead cap hit of over $37 million. The trade would still free up $2.5 million in cap space, but it might not be enough to address Atlanta’s broader financial concerns.
Implications for the Browns
The Browns could benefit from acquiring Cousins, especially while they wait for Watson’s return. Cousins’ experience and leadership could stabilize their offensive line and provide opportunities for other young players to develop. Alternatively, his presence could be a valuable bargaining chip for targeting other positions, such as Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter.
Next Steps for the Falcons
As the Falcons approach the start of the new league year, they need to focus on managing their cap space efficiently. Trading Cousins represents a crucial step in achieving their objectives. In preparing for the draft and free agency, Atlanta must be strategic in negotiations to ensure they receive the best possible return for Cousins.
It’s worth noting that any trade involving Cousins will have substantial ripple effects on both teams’ cap situations. Atlanta must weigh the benefits of gaining draft picks and free space against the risks of continuing to pay a significant portion of Cousins’ salary. For the Browns, the addition of Cousins could be a temporary solution until Watson returns, potentially strengthening their long-term prospects.
Monitoring Free Agency and the Draft
The Falcons have several other key players set to hit free agency in March, including Matthew Judon and Justin Simmons. Managing Cousins’ contract effectively will enable Atlanta to address these upcoming discussions proactively.
During draft season, Atlanta must focus on building a competitive roster for the 2024 campaign. A trade that brings in valuable picks would provide them with the flexibility to secure top talent at their picks, potentially rejuvenating the team’s future.
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