Much of the discussion related to the Falcons’ offseason revolves around Kirk Cousins‘ future. The team has repeatedly stated a willingness to keep the Pro Bowl quarterback in place as a backup, but head coach Raheem Morris left the door open to a parting of ways on Monday. 
Cousins has made it clear he wants a change of scenery after one year in Atlanta. The 36-year-old old inked a four-year deal to join the Falcons last offseason, but he was benched late in the year in favor of first-round rookie Michael Penix Jr. The latter is set to handle starting duties moving forward, but Atlanta’s decision to keep Cousins in the fold past the vesting date of his $10MM 2026 roster bonus helped confirm he will not be released.
That leaves a trade as a possibility, although Cousins will not waive his no-trade clause until after the draft takes place later this month. Doing so will help him avoid a repeat of last year’s situation (where he was caught off guard by the decision to draft Penix), but it could limit the number of suitors in play to acquire him. When speaking about the Cousins situation on Tuesday, Morris noted the team would be on board with dealing him under the right circumstances.
“There’s definitely a human side when you want to see him go out and be the best version of himself,” Morris said (via Pro Football Talk’s Charean Williams). “This is not a thing where we’re holding you back if the opportunity presents itself. If it’s something that’s good for both of us — it’s good for the Falcons and Kirk Cousins — we certainly would like to see that happen.”
Finances will be a challenge to work out between Atlanta and an acquiring team. Cousins is owed $27.5MM next season, and offset language in his pact means the Falcons could pass on at least some of that figure (along with the $10MM locked in for next season) to his new team. Especially after the draft has taken place, though, most NFL teams will have their 2025 starter in the fold. That will limit the Falcons’ opportunities to swing a deal. If retaining funds winds up being required to pull of a trade, Josh Kendall of The Athletic predicts the team will be willing to do so (subscription required).
The Browns have frequently been named as a team to watch on the Cousins front, given the presence of a familiar face in head coach Kevin Stefanski. A recent report noted a strong push to acquire the former Viking should not be expected at this time, however. As Kendall’s colleague Dianna Russini notes, though, a Cousins-to-Cleveland move would not come as a surprise given the ongoing discourse around the subject (video link). Barring another veteran acquisition under center, the Browns will remain a potential suitor worth monitoring.
To no surprise, Morris added in his remarks that he does not expect Cousins to attend voluntary OTAs. That has been expected on the team’s part, Underdog Fantasy’s James Palmer confirms. A holdout later in the offseason when mandatory minicamp and/or training camp take place would of course be more notable, provided Cousins is still on the Falcons’ roster in the summer. If an appropriate arrangement can be made regarding a trade, though, that may not be the case.
They should trade him to the Steelers and screw over Rodgers in the process for making the Steelers wait
That would be hilarious
If the Steelers 1. have the money and 2. are willing to part with the draft picks, why not?
And the Browns are open to trading Watson, and just like the Browns nobody is swooping in the bail out the Falcons incompetence.
They should be traded for each other…one bad contract for another. But at least the Browns will get someone that can play under center this year, while the Falcons will be bringing in a Georgia native as “insurance” for next season. (in case Penix regresses) Who knows, maybe Watson going back home will suit both him and the team?
Terrible take.
Why would they want the guaranteed remaining salary of Watson?
Is there a way a team could trade for Cousins without taking on his entire contract? Could Atlanta agree to pay half the salary if the training team agreed?
I just don’t see anyone taking on that contract.
Yes. The higher the draft pick, the more salary Atlanta will take on. The Browns got a 5th round pick for Mayfield but had to pay 12 million of his 18 million dollar salary
There is literally no upside right now for the Falcons to trade away the best backup QB in the NFL.
Someone has to put at least one of 1. a tall stack of cash 2. worthwhile draft picks on the Falcons counter before Cousins goes anywhere.
Cousins value will be highest when a first-tier starter goes down after five games with a winning record and the next man up isn’t good enough to skipper a season.
If you were cousins would you want to be backup or starter? He’s a starter not a backup
It doesn’t matter what Cousins wants. The Falcons are paying him extremely well. If Cousins gives up his guaranteed money, he can find another team to pay him good money to start.
If not, time to shut up and hold the clipboard.
It actually does matter what Cousins wants. He has a no trade clause. He has as much control as the Falcons. He actually can stay in Atlanta if he wants
Yes, but the Falcons do not have to release Cousins or trade him or do anything. The Falcons have chosen to hand Cousins and clipboard. Cousins should shut up and do what he’s told. He’s being paid very well so to do.
Or he can man up and sign a release with the Falcons with a financial settlement and do whatever he wants.
You have to pay to play. Cousins is one of the cheapest men on this planet and only half a man in the first place (not a leader of men but a trembling leaf) so he won’t do it.
Wow. Some real bitterness here. If he wants to play, who are you to tell him not to? He was paid to play, not hold the clipboard. Is it his fault the team pulled a bait and switch? If his employer is stupid enough to give him that money AND lie to him about his role, why should he do them a favor and bail them out? Is it not admirable that he wants to earn his money by playing instead of just holding a clip board? Since when do players have to pay to play? That’s just silly. Why is he cheap? Cuz he is a good negotiator? I’m not even a fan of him or the Falcons, you just got some really silly comments, man.
@Alec Kinner,
As a Falcons fan. Horrible take.
On one hand, you dismiss Cousins.
On another, you seem to make it like a team would want him as a starter, and needs to pony up to trade for him.
“Shut up and hold the clipboard?”
Really?
He did not hold the team hostage for getting the contract. Players have much more power than what you allude to. Perfect example, Cousins got guaranteed money, the contract, and no trade conditions. The reporting is all about who and when Cousins will agree to a trade. I am sorry the Falcons aren’t in full control here, for your best interests.
So the Falcons will still be paying h8m 10 million or 5 game checks.
Can’t wait until next week when they aren’t trading him again.
You like this!
browns are always interested in making another mistake
I still say we should’ve gotten Justin Fields last off-season. And we way way way way way overpaid for Kirk cousins. But the worst thing is we still have no defense. This team hasn’t had a defense in the history of its existence. I mean, we’ve had a few good players here and there Patrick Kearney, Keith Brooking, Jesse Tuggle and to an extent, John Abraham and Vic Beasley, but never a full team. There’s still guys out there that can be acquired like Von Miller, but we’re just too strapped for cash or stupid to even think about it.