Report: Broncos Will Not Pursue QB Kirk Cousins in Free Agency

Will they or won't they?

Conflicting information has emerged regarding the Denver Broncos' interest — or lack thereof — in free-agent-to-be quarterback Kirk Cousins.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported Sunday that Denver could "quite possibly" make a run at Cousins, who appears poised to test the market following six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings.

"The Vikings and Kirk Cousins' agent remain in communication, but at this point, it does appear that the four-time Pro Bowl quarterback is going to hit the free agent market on Monday," Pelissero said, via Bleacher Report. "Other teams I would expect to pursue Cousins do include the Atlanta Falcons and quite possibly the Denver Broncos as well."

Pelissero's hearsay, however, was quickly refuted by The Athletic's Dianna Russini, who clarified that the Broncos will not in fact make a run at Cousins.

"While the Denver Broncos had some conversations about the possibility of going after QB Kirk Cousins, they are not going to be pursuing him if he hits free agency, per sources," Russini reported Sunday evening.

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The Broncos entered the offseason over the league's salary cap but have become cap-compliant over the last week by releasing safety Justin Simmons, trading wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, and restructuring right tackle Mike McGlinchey, among other moves.

Still, Denver is likely to balk at Cousins' reported asking price of $40 million per year on his next contract, much of which will be guaranteed. Especially for a player who turns 36 in August, has just one career playoff win, and is coming off a torn Achilles.

The Broncos, aiming toward the lower tier of available free agents, are expected to show interest in signing 49ers QB Sam Darnold. The team should also address the position via next month's NFL draft.

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