QB Crisis? Why NFL Teams Aren't Calling the Falcons About Kirk Cousins

Week 3 of the NFL season was a rollercoaster, filled with unexpected twists, turns, and a surprising number of quarterback injuries. Several teams found themselves scrambling to adjust their game plans as their starting QBs were sidelined. Amidst this chaos, one might expect the Atlanta Falcons to be fielding calls about their quarterback, Kirk Cousins. But according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, that hasn't been the case.

QB Carnage: Who Went Down?

The list of injured quarterbacks in Week 3 is significant. Joe Burrow of the Bengals suffered a toe injury expected to keep him out for a considerable amount of time. Jayden Daniels (Commanders), Brock Purdy (49ers), J.J. McCarthy (Vikings), and Justin Fields (Jets) also found themselves on the sidelines. While most of these injuries are not expected to be long-term, Burrow's situation has created a clear need for quarterback help in Cincinnati.

The Falcons' Stance: High Price for Cousins

So, why aren't teams calling about Kirk Cousins? The answer lies in the Falcons' asking price. Atlanta is reportedly seeking a premium draft pick in return for Cousins and expects any acquiring team to take on a substantial portion of his $180 million contract. This makes Cousins a very expensive backup option, even for a team desperate for quarterback stability.

Cousins' performance last season after joining the Falcons was underwhelming. He threw a league-high 16 interceptions, and his yards per attempt dropped to a career-low for a full-time starter. He saw limited action in Week 3, completing 5 of 7 passes for 29 yards in a blowout loss to the Panthers after Michael Penix Jr. struggled. Coach Raheem Morris has stated that Cousins is not in contention to be the starting quarterback for the Falcons' next game.

The Bengals: A Possible, but Unlikely, Suitor

Realistically, the Bengals are the only team that might consider trading for Cousins, given their current quarterback situation and financial capacity. However, the fact that Cousins was benched in Atlanta and the Bengals' apparent contentment with backup Jake Browning makes this scenario unlikely.

The NFL is a league of constant surprises, but sometimes, the lack of action can be just as telling. The lack of interest in Kirk Cousins despite the widespread quarterback injuries speaks volumes about his perceived value and the Falcons' high demands.