The NFL is currently grappling with a surge of quarterback injuries, including a toe injury to Cincinnati Bengals’ Joe Burrow, which is expected to sideline him for the remainder of the season. In light of this, the trade market for Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins has not gained momentum.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, none of the five teams coping with quarterback injuries as of Week 3 have approached the Falcons about Cousins. The team is demanding a significant draft pick and expects any trade partner to shoulder a large part of Cousins’ hefty salary. Cousins is currently in the second year of his four-year, $180 million contract, a costly commitment for any team considering him as a temporary backup.
Burrow is among several quarterbacks absent in Week 3, including the Commanders’ Jayden Daniels, 49ers’ Brock Purdy, Vikings’ J.J. McCarthy, and Jets’ Justin Fields. However, Burrow’s injury is the only one anticipated to have long-term implications.
Cousins, who previously played for the Minnesota Vikings, has recently struggled with performance issues. Last season with the Falcons, he led the league with 16 interceptions while his yards per attempt fell to a career-low. Despite some playing time in the Falcons’ 30-0 loss to the Carolina Panthers, head coach Raheem Morris has made it clear that Cousins will not be competing for a starting position against Washington.
Amid evaluation of his performance, the Bengals appear to be the only team that might possibly consider a trade for Cousins. However, given he was benched in Atlanta and the Bengals are content with their backup Jake Browning, no significant movement is expected in the trade market for Cousins. The situation remains fluid, but for now, the Falcons continue with their current lineup.