Latest NFL Combine rumblings say Falcons expected to make 'strong pursuit' for Kirk Cousins

The Atlanta Falcons potentially trading for Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields heated up at the NFL Combine this week, but that might not be what ends up happening.  ESPN's Dan Graziano says the latest "buzz' is telling him that the Falcons will heavily pursue Minnesota Vikings veteran QB Kirk Cousins in NFL free agency before they attempt […]

Kelsey Kramer — College Football & NFL Trending News Writer
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Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) talks with teammates prior to their game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field.
Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Falcons potentially trading for Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields heated up at the NFL Combine this week, but that might not be what ends up happening. 

ESPN's Dan Graziano says the latest "buzz' is telling him that the Falcons will heavily pursue Minnesota Vikings veteran QB Kirk Cousins in NFL free agency before they attempt to trade for Fields: 

"If the Vikings don't sign him to an extension before the final four years of his contract void on March 12, they will carry a $28.5 million dead money charge on their salary cap and Cousins will be an open-market free agent for the second time in his career. Should that happen, I expect the Falcons to make a strong pursuit. I have been told by multiple sources this week that signing Cousins — not trading for Justin Fields — is the Falcons' top QB solution, assuming Cousins makes it to free agency."

Graziano's fellow ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler adds that he is still hearing Fields, and even Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield, could be in play for Atlanta but sources around the league believe that Cousins is the best overall fit. 

Of course that will all come down to whether or not Cousins re-signs with the Vikings. But for right now, it sounds like he plans to test the open market once NFL free agency officially hits on March 11. 

The Falcons have to be an attractive team for Cousins considering the endless weapons they have in Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Bijan Robinson. 

It also helps that his wife is from Georgia and her parents still live in the area. 

According to our contract experts at A to Z Sports, Cousins is going to be looking for a 2-year $80 million deal with at least $55 million guaranteed.  

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