The Falcons are set to keep Kirk Cousins on their roster, according to NFL insider Mike Garafolo. Cousins was initially expected to be released after being benched for the final three games of the last season. However, Falcons’ general manager Terry Fontenot confirmed that Cousins would stay in Atlanta as a backup to Michael Penix.
During the NFL Combine, Fontenot reiterated their plans, saying, “We have to do what’s right for the Falcons.” The team’s decision comes amid complications due to Cousins’ contract. His $27.5 million base salary for 2025 is guaranteed, making an early release difficult for the salary-cap-strapped Falcons. Additionally, a $10 million roster bonus for 2026 will become fully guaranteed soon, which would raise costs if they tried to cut him afterward.
While trading Cousins could relieve the team of his hefty contract, his recent struggles make that a tough sell. He’s been linked to teams like the Browns, but mainly as a potential free agent, not through a trade.
Health is another issue for Cousins. At 36, he didn’t move well on the field last season after recovering from a torn Achilles. He faced shoulder and elbow injuries that worsened his performance. Until he can show he’s healthy and can still play at a high level, it’s unlikely teams will be eager to trade for him.
For now, the Falcons appear to be willing to wait for the right opportunity, whether that’s a trade or a release. The situation could remind fans of when the Broncos moved on from Russell Wilson. Although it resulted in a huge dead cap hit, it allowed a fresh start with a new quarterback. If Cousins becomes a distraction, Atlanta might ultimately choose to cut ties completely rather than hope for a trade.
Check out this related article: Colts Aiming to Ignite Real Competition at Quarterback Position: Insights from GM
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