Although Kirk Cousins attempted to convince owner Arthur Blank to release him back in March, the demoted quarterback has not necessarily become a malcontent in Atlanta. He reported for the start of voluntary offseason workouts today, WSB’s Zach Klein reports.
This act surprised some in the building, per NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo. This comes during an interesting stretch, as Cousins is not open to waiving his no-trade clause until after the draft. The quarterback that brought a tampering penalty for the Falcons last year still wields some power, via the clause, and he is aiming to avoid repeating a situation like the one that defined his 2024 in Atlanta.
Surprise Falcons first-round pick Michael Penix Jr. reshaped Cousins’ Falcons path weeks after he signed, and the QB will have more information about the position’s landscape after the likes of Shedeur Sanders, Jaxson Dart, Tyler Shough and Jalen Milroe are dispersed to teams. Though, Cousins also runs the risk of seeing the a starter route close after the draft; Aaron Rodgers‘ decision (as it relates to the Steelers) also stands to impact Cousins’ options.
A recent report suggested the Falcons were not interested in a Day 3 pick for Cousins. The team’s party line has remained a Penix-Cousins depth chart remains firmly in play, even as many around the league have doubted that. The Falcons added some QB insurance Monday night by signing Easton Stick. The ex-Chargers backup, though, profiles as a more likely third-string option for Atlanta. If the team does have a Cousins trade in the offing, a new backup would likely be needed — especially considering Penix’s injury history.
Injuries marring four Penix seasons at Indiana will assuredly factor into the Falcons’ thinking with Cousins. The Falcons have set an unrealistic salary demand regarding a Cousins swap, with multiple reports pointing to the team asking an acquiring club to take on at least $20MM of Cousins’ 2025 money. Cousins’ 2026 $10MM guarantee is also subject to offset language, which would stick the acquiring team with that tab as well. Anything in the vicinity of $20MM in 2025 is likely a nonstarter for teams, and it may have contributed to the Browns choosing to reunite with Joe Flacco.
For now, Cousins remains on Atlanta’s roster. It would be odd if Cousins showed for Falcons OTAs, as QBs on the way out — or suspected to be on the way out, as the 2022 Jimmy Garoppolo situation reminded — are rarely part of such workouts. But he was in the building for the start of the team’s program. How the QB dominoes fall this weekend will set the stage for Falcons trade talks to intensify.
Kirk has surprised millions with/ 2 franchise tags, 2 guaranteed contracts and $90m for 1 year w/ Atlanta. Well done sir.
Well…he has to stay in shape…so there is that
I think it would be awesome if Kirk declared that he was going to do everything possible to take down Michael Penix and be the week 1 starter. My advice to Kirk: Do not go gentle into that good night, Old age should burn and rave at close of day; Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Kirk’s problem in 2024 wasn’t the achilles. He had a 101.9 passer rating through week 9. Then he hurt his shoulder in week 10 and had a 63.8 passer rating from week 10 to the end of the season. If his shoulder is healthy he has a reasonable chance to outplay Penix. Assuming the Falcons give him that chance. Which is a big assumption, I know.
Which team would be different really from now til after draft day? Saints might bring him on board to cover for Carr. The Steelers and Titans are probably drafting someone. The only real options may be the Colts and Browns if the Steelers forego QB.
Earlier in the offseason maybe one of the Jets or Giants but think their depth charts are kinda set even for backup. Everywhere else he would be guaranteed a backup job with maybe the best opportunity being with the Vikings McCarthy being out last year and Cousins knowing the system might help.
I think the Browns option dried up when they signed Joe Flacco. I think they’ll draft a QB no later than the 2nd round as well.
your right i forgot about Flacco.
The Falcons have indicated that as long as they are paying Cousins’s salary and bonuses, he remains a Falcon. Some playoff team will get desperate in-season after their top ten QB suffers a season-ending injury – and they’ll pay full freight both on salary/future bonuses, and on draft picks.
If Cousins doesn’t lift his No Trade Clause, he can die sitting on the pine. The Falcons were foolish to allow that clause, but two can play at Cousins’s contracts game.
When you look at Pennix season it doesn’t scream great…..it’s pretty pedestrian…is it possible Atlanta is painting itself into a QB controversy?