Report: Broncos would've pursued Cousins if contract demands dropped

The Denver Broncos likely would've entered the Kirk Cousins sweepstakes if the Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota Vikings pulled out of contention and the quarterback's "financial offers plummeted," a league source told Jeff Howe of The Athletic.

But Cousins had no issue getting a huge contract: The Falcons signed the free agent to a four-year deal reportedly worth $180 million with $100 million in guaranteed money.

Denver desperately needs a signal-caller following the team's release of Russell Wilson after just two seasons. With the Broncos on the hook for Wilson's near-$38-million salary, the veteran signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the veteran's minimum of $1.2 million.

Only Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci remain in Denver's quarterback room. The team lost Sam Darnold after he signed with the Vikings. He was weighing offers from both Minnesota and Denver, Ben Volin of the Boston Globe reports.

The Broncos own the No. 12 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and could be interested in taking one of the top quarterback prospects.