While many believe veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins ​​is set to be released by the Atlanta Falcons this offseason, some are wondering if the team would consider trading him instead.

Athletics Jeff Howe reported that the Falcons “haven’t yet decided what they will do with Cousins ​​in 2025,” but if they want to trade him, “league executives think they should consume some of his contract to obtain something substantial. “

“He would have a deal. However, it’s the contract that will hold him back,” one executive told Howe. “Compensation would depend on how much food Atlanta eats or if it reworks the contract.”

Cousins ​​has a no-trade clause and is guaranteed to make $27.5 million next season. If he is still on Atlanta’s roster by March 17, that will activate his $10 million guarantee for the 2026 season. ESPN Adam Schefter reported Saturday that the Falcons would likely release him before then.

Atlanta would be better off if they could acquire assets for Cousins ​​rather than losing him for nothing, but teams aren’t very motivated to give up anything for him. The compensation language in his contract means the Falcons would have to pay the balance of his guaranteed money for 2025 if the 36-year-old is released, so other teams can sign him for the veteran’s minimum.

Still, all signs point to Cousins’ time in Atlanta coming to an end after just one year. The Falcons paid him $90 million for 14 games in which he threw a career-high 16 interceptions.