Kirk Cousins and the Falcons have been one of the most intriguing storylines of the offseason. Atlanta signed Cousins to a $180 million contract in 2024, following his Achilles injury with the Minnesota Vikings. However, after a significant slump, he was replaced by rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. The Falcons explored trade options, but once Aaron Rodgers signed with the Steelers, that potential deal fell through.
“With Rodgers going to the Steelers, Cousins is left without a viable destination to satisfy his goal of being a starting quarterback in 2025. Thus, Cousins will be forced to play the waiting game — perhaps until training camp, the preseason or into the regular season — and monitor the health of quarterbacks around the NFL,” Sports Illustrated’s Daniel Flick wrote.
Now unable to offload Cousins, Atlanta is on the hook for his hefty $27.5 million guaranteed salary this season—unless another team experiences a quarterback injury that reopens the market. For now, the Falcons are in wait-and-see mode.
“Every time a quarterback gets hurt, the Falcons are going to be like, ‘Hello, look at the guy we got,’” NFL Insider Ian Rapoport said. “He suggested that Atlanta could even land a premium draft pick by trading Cousins during the season if a team becomes desperate enough.”
On Netflix’s Quarterback, Cousins revealed he felt misguided by Atlanta during free agency:
“Certainly, if I had that information around free agency, it would’ve affected my decision. I had no reason to leave Minnesota, with how much we loved it there, if both teams were going to be drafting a quarterback high. But I’ve also learned in 12 years in this league that you’re not entitled to anything — it’s all about earning your spot and proving yourself,” Cousins said.
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That comment strongly suggests Cousins may be unhappy in Atlanta and possibly regrets signing with the Falcons.
