Kirk Cousins rumor has a major impact on Chicago Bears trade of Justin Fields

The quarterback carousel is already on the move ahead of the start of NFL Free Agency next week, with every rumor and move also having a connection to the Chicago Bears' ability to trade Justin Fields.

It would seem that before the Bears will be able to trade Fields, there will be clarity needed on the impending free agency of Kirk Cousins.

Two of the teams linked to Cousins have also been mentioned as a potential suitor for Fields. Cousins' current team, the Minnesota Vikings, entered the the off-season with a likelihood of the veteran quarterback returning for the 2024 season but that may no longer be the case.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported on Monday evening that Cousins may be eyeing a move to Atlanta. Of course, Cousins moving his family to Atlanta would be a clear sign that he is on the verge of signing with the Atlanta Falcons.

The latest Kirk Cousins rumor would have major effect on the Chicago Bears' off-season.

Cousins signing with Falcons would represent a major shift in the NFC North.

For one, the Vikings would be in need of a new starting quarterback. Recent reports have listed the Vikings among teams interested in a potential trade for Fields and the path to such a deal would clear with Cousins now longer a part of the picture.

Cousins signing with the Falcons would also remove the presumptive favorite in a Fields' trade from being a part of the mix The Falcons have been heavily linked to Fields for much of the past month but it's become clear that Cousins is their priority.

Elsewhere, the Denver Broncos released Russell Wilson on Monday. Wilson's release becomes effective after the start of the new league year next week and could hinder the Bears' ability to trade Fields. With the Broncos still on the hook for Wilson's 2024 salary, any interested team could sign the veteran for the league minimum as opposed to trading draft capital for Fields.

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