NFL free agency is fast approaching, which means big-name player movement is also just around the corner. In the meantime, there are plenty of rumblings about who could change teams, and at what cost. But which of the rumors, especially regarding the all-important quarterback position, hold water? And which murmurs constitute gossip to be shrugged off?
Let’s put on our thinking caps and make a ruling on some of the latest whispers regarding potential quarterback movement, declaring these 2024 storylines as fact or fiction:
Fact or Fiction: Fact
This is a rare case of two sides genuinely liking each other, just not enough to prohibit a mutual split. Cousins has been rock-steady in Minnesota, if unspectacular in terms of postseason results, and fits Kevin O’Connell’s offense seamlessly. He’s also going on 36, coming off a serious injury and will not come cheap in a league perpetually starved for consistent quarterback play. The Vikings say they’d like him back, but their actions tell a slightly different story, essentially asking all 31 other teams to contend for his services. They have reason to pursue a longer-term answer. And Cousins, though favorable to his Midwestern setup, has never been one to shy away from a business opportunity. Keep a watchful eye on the Atlanta Falcons.
Fact or Fiction: Fiction
Of course it’s possible he could stay. In fact, there’s a strong argument to be made the Bears should keep the young, ascending playmaker rather than start over. But nothing about Chicago’s actions and words this offseason suggests the team isn’t moving full-speed toward selecting Caleb Williams atop the 2024 NFL Draft, spelling the end of Fields’ mercurial run as the hopeful face of the franchise. General manager Ryan Poles all but admitted Fields was up for sale at the combine; you don’t tell the media you plan to “do right by Justin” in a potential trade if you’re not already prepared to deal your starting quarterback.
Fact or Fiction: Fact
Whether or not they should is another story entirely. But we’ve now had multiple reports out of Pittsburgh downplaying any real interest from the team in proven starters like Cousins, Fields or Russell Wilson. Could they still pursue competition for Pickett in the form of a mid-tier free agent like Ryan Tannehill or Tyrod Taylor? Sure. In fact, that’s a relatively safe bet. But all indications are they’re not willing to outright pull the plug on…
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