As the NFL free agency negotiating period gets underway, all eyes will be on Kirk Cousins.
The veteran quarterback is arguably the biggest name in free agency this year and the 35-year-old’s destination is likely to have a considerable knock-on effect in both free agency and next month’s draft.
With NFL teams permitted to negotiate with players’ representatives from Monday afternoon, ahead of the official start of free agency on Wednesday, the Athletic report that Cousins will immediately begin negotiations with the Atlanta Falcons.
The Falcons have been mooted as a potential destination for Cousins in recent weeks, given their need for a quarterback. Cousins has spent six years with the Minnesota Vikings, and despite the Vikings wanting to re-sign the quarterback, it would appear that Cousins is set to test the market.
Should the Falcons land Cousins, it would immediately tick off their biggest offseason need and allow new head coach Raheem Morris to focus on getting the most out of their eighth overall draft pick.
For teams needing a quarterback, it will mean that the draft is now likely to be the only viable place to find a new starter.
Baker Mayfield has agreed a new deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Russell Wilson is set for the Pittsburgh Steelers, meaning that the likes of Jacoby Brissett, Ryan Tannehill, Gardner Minshew, Tyrod Taylor and Jameis Winston are the most experienced QBs left on the market.
Live on DAZN: William Zepeda vs. Maxi Hughes on March 16. Click here for details.