Kirk Cousins is staying with the Atlanta Falcons—for now. The team has decided to keep the veteran quarterback on their roster, which means they will trigger a $10 million roster bonus for 2026. This decision comes after a challenging stretch for Cousins, where he threw nine interceptions and only one touchdown in five games last season, leading to his benching in Week 16.
Atlanta’s management has been vocal about their plans. General manager Terry Fontenot stated they feel "comfortable" moving forward with Cousins as a backup, even after drafting rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick in 2024. Initially, it seemed likely that Cousins would part ways with the team. Many observers believed the Falcons were just trying to keep his trade value high.
However, sources indicate that Cousins may indeed suit up for Atlanta in 2025 unless a compelling trade offer comes along. The financial implications are substantial; the Falcons owe Cousins $27.5 million for 2025 regardless of their decision to keep or cut him. Thus, retaining him as a backup quarterback makes financial sense, especially with the impending roster bonus.
Cousins, now 36, has expressed his desire to remain a starting quarterback in the NFL. His frustration has been apparent, particularly after the Falcons’ draft decisions. Recently, he met with team owner Arthur Blank to discuss his future, highlighting the tension in his situation. Notably, Cousins holds a no-trade clause, giving him substantial control over any potential moves.
Expert opinions in the sports community suggest that retaining Cousins as a high-priced backup could serve dual purposes: it provides stability behind Penix and may also enhance Cousins’ market value if the Falcons decide to trade him later. Additionally, recent stats show that maintaining a strong backup quarterback can significantly improve team dynamics. Teams with reliable backups tend to fare better in injury-prone seasons.
As discussions continue, fans are keenly watching social media to gauge responses about Cousins’ situation. Many supporters express loyalty to him, while some are eager to see how Penix develops as the new starter. The buzz around both quarterbacks is palpable, making the upcoming season one to watch closely.
This evolving narrative spotlights the challenges and complexities of NFL team dynamics, emphasizing how financial decisions interplay with player relationships and aspirations. Keeping Cousins could buy the Falcons time to decide their next steps while navigating the unpredictable nature of the league.
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