Could rumors of Kirk Cousins’ request for a $100 million salary lead the Atlanta Falcons to withdraw their interest in him?

As the deadline approaches for Kirk Cousins to potentially become a free agent for the second time in his career, there’s growing speculation about his future with the Minnesota Vikings. Despite the possibility of him re-signing with the Vikings, there’s a strong demand for quarterbacks in the market, with around ten teams looking for an upgrade or replacement. This high demand is likely to drive up Cousins’ price, potentially making it too expensive for the Vikings to retain him.

When Cousins hit free agency in 2018, the Vikings signed him to a three-year, $84-million fully guaranteed contract, making him the highest-paid player in the NFL at the time. Although others have since surpassed this record, there’s a belief that Cousins, now 35 years old, could once again command a top salary in the NFL.

Once he hits the open market, Cousins could receive offers that are hard to turn down. Despite initial rumors about the Atlanta Falcons having second thoughts due to budget constraints, there’s still significant interest in Cousins, with insiders suggesting he could once again become one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league, possibly requiring around $100 million in guarantees.

While the Vikings are interested in keeping Cousins and the feeling is believed to be mutual, the allure of free agency is strong, especially for a player like Cousins who has a track record of maximizing his opportunities. Pro Bowl quarterbacks rarely become free agents, and with many teams in need of a quarterback upgrade, Cousins is in a prime position to secure a lucrative contract.

Even coming off a torn right Achilles, Cousins is expected to cash in, given his performance before the injury and the high demand for quarterbacks. Speculation abounds about the potential size of his next contract, with some suggesting he could sign a two-year, $100 million fully guaranteed deal, which would place him among the top-paid quarterbacks in the league. While the exact outcome is uncertain, it’s clear that Cousins will have the opportunity to explore offers from multiple teams and potentially sign with the highest bidder.