Why Kirk Cousins’ Reduced Offseason Participation Could Be a Win for the Falcons

Kirk Cousins, the quarterback, chose to skip the first OTA session with the Falcons. This move could actually work in the team’s favor.

The Falcons are looking to shift gears with Michael Penix Jr. as their starting quarterback. Having Cousins around could create unnecessary tension. His absence from the voluntary workouts isn’t surprising. Recently, offensive coordinator Zac Robinson mentioned that Cousins has been at only a few offseason sessions.

Cousins seems ready to move on, and the Falcons feel the same. After losing his starting spot, he wanted to wait until after the draft to seek new opportunities. But now, the options are limited. If Aaron Rodgers signs with the Steelers, there won’t be many places left for Cousins to go.

Waiting could be the smartest move for both sides. Cousins can stay fit and collect his paycheck while the Falcons hold off until a trade opportunity arises. The situation is reminiscent of Carson Palmer in 2011, though Palmer wasn’t getting paid during his waiting period. Cousins, on the other hand, will receive a substantial sum of around $1.52 million weekly.

When a team loses a starter unexpectedly, they often scramble for trade options. For example, when Cousins suffered an injury during the 2023 season, the Vikings frantically searched for a quarterback in the final days of their trade window. If Cousins had been available then, he would have been a strong candidate.

Waiting allows Cousins to stay in shape and gives the Falcons a chance to trade him if a need arises. Injuries happen in the NFL, and a starting quarterback could go down at any moment.

In summary, staying patient could benefit both Cousins and the Falcons, allowing them to navigate this transition smoothly.



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