Kirk Cousins’ Time with the Atlanta Falcons Continues—for Now

The Atlanta Falcons have made it clear they are not yet ready to part ways with quarterback Kirk Cousins. Despite earlier rumors suggesting his time with the team might be coming to an end, the Falcons have decided to honor the $10 million roster bonus owed to Cousins. This payment is contingent on Cousins remaining on the team’s roster beyond 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 16. While the situation remains fluid, it appears the Falcons are committed to keeping Cousins on board—at least for the foreseeable future.

A Rocky Start and a Bench Move

Cousins’ tenure with the Falcons has had its fair share of ups and downs. After signing a lucrative four-year, $180 million contract with the team in March 2024, Cousins was expected to be the franchise’s leader under center. However, his performance on the field fell short of expectations. A particularly difficult stretch late in the season led to a benching ahead of the team’s Week 16 matchup against the New York Giants. Over a five-game span, Cousins threw nine interceptions, prompting head coach Raheem Morris to make the tough decision to sit him down. This move signaled a shift in the team’s quarterback hierarchy, with Michael Penix Jr. being named the “starting quarterback moving forward” in December.

The Surprising Investment in Michael Penix Jr.

Just weeks after committing to Cousins with a massive contract, the Falcons surprised many by selecting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 pick in the NFL Draft. This decision raised eyebrows across the league, as it seemed the team had already anointed Cousins as their franchise quarterback. However, the selection of Penix indicated that the Falcons were looking to the future and potentially hedging their bets on Cousins. TheYCousins’ struggles on the field seemed to solidify Penix’s position as the team’s long-term plan at quarterback.

Kirk Cousins’ Role with the Falcons Moving Forward

Despite the benching and the emergence of Penix, the Falcons have expressed openness to keeping Cousins as the team’s backup quarterback. General Manager Terry Fontenot has publicly stated that the organization is “very comfortable” with Cousins serving in this capacity. Fontenot praised Cousins as a “great man” and highlighted his supportive role in helping Penix transition into the starting job. While some question the sincerity of these comments, it appears the Falcons are at least willing to keep Cousins on the roster for the 2024 season.

Financial Implications of Keeping Kirk Cousins

The decision to keep Cousins comes with significant financial considerations. The quarterback is owed $27.5 million for the 2024 season, regardless of whether he plays a single snap for the Falcons. Additionally, the $10 million roster bonus, which applies to the 2026 season, adds another layer to the financial equation. If the Falcons ultimately decide to move on from Cousins, they could designated him as a post-June 1 release, allowing them to spread the salary cap hit over two years. This would provide the team with some much-needed financial flexibility as they continue to build around Penix.

Kirk Cousins’ Trade Request

Cousins has reportedly expressed a desire to be traded to a team where he can start in 2024. According to Sports Illustrated, he met with Falcons owner Arthur Blank to discuss his options, asking to be moved to a franchise where he can take the reins under center. However, the Falcons are likely to prioritize their own interests as they weigh the pros and cons of trading the veteran quarterback. Cousins’ no-trade clause gives him some control over where he could end up, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.

What’s Next for the Falcons?

As the Falcons move forward, they will need to navigate this quarterback situation carefully. While Cousins’ $27.5 million salary for 2024 is already guaranteed, the team will have to decide whether keeping him as a backup is in their best interest. The Falcons could use the coming months to explore trade opportunities, but any potential deal would need to satisfy both the team and Cousins. For now, it seems Kirk Cousins will remain in Atlanta—at least until the team can find a suitable trade partner or decide to move on from him altogether.