Tag: Kirk Cousins

Kirk Cousins recently revealed he may have remained with the Minnesota Vikings had he known the Atlanta Falcons were planning to draft a quarterback in the first round. In the newly released season of Netflix’s Quarterback, Cousins spoke candidly for the first time about his reaction to Atlanta selecting Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

The Falcons had just signed Cousins to a $100 million guaranteed deal weeks earlier, suggesting they viewed him as their long-term starter. The unexpected draft move led Cousins to feel “a little bit misled,” especially since he wasn’t informed of the decision until a last-minute phone call from the offensive coordinator while the team was already on the clock.

Cousins Regrets Not Knowing Draft Plans, Played Hurt to Keep Starting Role

Cousins noted he had some awareness that the Falcons could draft a quarterback, but did not expect them to select one so early. He emphasized that, had he known both the Vikings and Falcons would take quarterbacks high in the draft, it might have swayed him to stay in Minnesota, where he and his family were happy.

The Vikings selected J.J. McCarthy at No. 10. Reflecting on the situation, Cousins acknowledged the harsh reality of the NFL: players aren’t owed anything and must constantly prove themselves to retain their roles, regardless of contract size or veteran status.

After a promising 6-3 start to the season with Atlanta, Cousins suffered a hard hit to his right arm in Week 10, which significantly impacted his play. Although initially believing it was just standard pain, Cousins later realized the injury was more severe than he had thought.

He was listed on the injury report only once after the incident, but his performance dipped drastically—eight interceptions and zero touchdowns over four consecutive losses marked the worst stretch of his 13-year career. Despite the pain, Cousins continued to play, worried that sitting out might cost him his starting job.

Fear of Replacement Drove Cousins to Play Through Injury Despite Long-Term Consequences

Cousins admitted on Quarterback that his reluctance to rest and recover came from a fear of being replaced. He referenced Drew Brees’ philosophy of not letting backups see the field, drawing parallels to the idea of being “Wally Pipped,” a term stemming from the baseball player who lost his spot permanently to Lou Gehrig.

Cousins explained that he made the best decision he could with the information available at the time, but hindsight suggests rest may have been the better move for his health and performance.

Eventually, the Falcons benched Cousins in Week 16, giving Penix the opportunity to start. While Penix showed promise, the team still missed the playoffs. Many believed Atlanta would release Cousins in the offseason, but the team instead picked up his $10 million bonus in March, keeping him on the roster—likely as a high-priced backup.

Falcons GM Terry Fontenot stated that Cousins holds more value on their roster than playing elsewhere, especially with $27.5 million already guaranteed. Cousins, though disappointed, is trying to face the situation with professionalism, stating, “It hurts to go into work… but you got to be a grown man and handle it with maturity.”

Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris does not expect quarterback Kirk Cousins to participate in the team’s voluntary offseason program due to ongoing business negotiations. Morris acknowledged that Cousins has met with key team figures, including himself, general manager Terry Fontenot, and owner Arthur Blank, expressing his desire to be a starting quarterback in the NFL for the upcoming season. Given the circumstances, Morris stated that he would not be surprised if Cousins chooses not to attend voluntary workouts.

Falcons Comfortable with Cousins as Backup, Open to Trade if Right Offer Arises

Despite being benched in Week 16 last season, the Falcons remain comfortable with Cousins as their backup quarterback behind Michael Penix Jr., their long-term starter. However, the team is open to trading Cousins if a suitable offer arises, though any trade would require Cousins’ approval due to his no-trade clause.

His contract includes a guaranteed $27.5 million in 2025 and a $10 million roster bonus in 2026, making it financially challenging to retain him as a backup.

Morris, who has known Cousins since his rookie season with Washington in 2012, emphasized the human element of the situation. He acknowledged Cousins’ desire to start and stated that the Falcons are not actively trying to hold him back. If an opportunity beneficial to both Cousins and the Falcons emerges, the team would consider facilitating a move. However, for now, Cousins remains part of the team’s plans as a backup.

Cousins’ Hot Start Fades as Injuries and Turnovers Derail Falcons’ Season

Cousins started the 2024 season strong, leading the Falcons to a 6-3 record and setting a franchise record with 509 passing yards in a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, his performance declined drastically, culminating in a four-game losing streak where he threw eight interceptions and no touchdowns.

He later claimed he suffered a shoulder and elbow injury in Week 10 against the New Orleans Saints, though the Falcons only listed him on the injury report once and maintained they were unaware of any significant injury.

Despite last season’s struggles, Cousins conducted himself professionally as Penix’s backup, and Morris expects that professionalism to continue if Cousins remains with the team.

While business considerations will play a role in any future decisions, Morris reiterated the team’s respect for Cousins as both a player and a person. As the offseason progresses, the Falcons will continue to evaluate their quarterback situation and any potential moves involving Cousins.

The NFL quarterback carousel is moving slowly, with veteran players carefully considering their options. One such player is Kirk Cousins, the Atlanta Falcons’ quarterback, who is a potential trade candidate. However, any trade depends on two key factors: the Falcons’ willingness to move him and Cousins’ decision to waive his no-trade clause. Until those questions are answered, his future remains uncertain, with teams evaluating their quarterback needs.

Cousins Hesitates on Trade Due to Replacement Concerns and Falcons’ Unclear Intentions

A major reason for Cousins’ hesitation in accepting a trade is his concern about being replaced by a younger quarterback. Last season, he was caught off guard when the Falcons drafted Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick, despite signing Cousins earlier in the offseason.

This experience has made him wary of trusting teams’ promises. As a result, Cousins wants to wait until after the NFL Draft to see if any potential trade destination selects a quarterback before deciding whether to approve a move.

Despite the speculation around a trade, the Falcons may not even be interested in moving Cousins. Reports suggest they could be willing to pay him $27.5 million in 2025, even if he serves as a backup to Penix Jr. If that is the case, the discussion about his trade value becomes irrelevant. The team’s long-term plan for the quarterback position will likely become clearer as the draft approaches.

Salary and Timing Determine Cousins’ Leverage in a Post-Draft Quarterback Market

Another factor in any potential trade is whether a new team would be willing to take on Cousins’ full 2025 salary. If a team sees him as a clear starting option, they may have no issue paying his contract. However, if teams choose to wait until after the draft, Cousins could gain more leverage.

If a franchise finds itself without a solid quarterback option after the draft, it may become desperate and be more willing to meet his terms, potentially securing him a better deal.

Given these uncertainties, Cousins’ decision to wait before making any moves appears wise. He has learned from past experiences that quarterback commitments made in March can quickly be undermined by draft picks in April. By waiting to see how the draft unfolds, he increases his chances of landing in a stable situation where he can be a guaranteed starter, rather than risking another scenario where he is unexpectedly pushed aside.

The Atlanta Falcons have solidified their commitment to Kirk Cousins by allowing his $10 million roster bonus for next year to become fully guaranteed. This move suggests that the team is content with Cousins remaining their backup quarterback behind Michael Penix Jr.

However, it is unclear whether this decision is a strategic maneuver before an impending trade or a genuine commitment to keeping Cousins as a second-string player. Regardless, the Falcons appear comfortable with holding onto his contract, despite the hefty financial commitment.

Cousins’ Professionalism May Have Cost Him Leverage in Falcons’ Decision

Throughout his career, Cousins has played the NFL contract game skillfully while maintaining a reputation as a “company man.” He has consistently avoided controversy, refrained from making demands, and remained professional even in unfavorable situations.

However, in this instance, his passive approach may have worked against him. The Falcons’ decision to draft Penix just six weeks after signing Cousins to a $100 million guaranteed contract was a significant move that arguably warranted a stronger reaction from him.

When questioned about whether he would have signed with the Falcons had he known about their draft plans, Cousins sidestepped the issue, refusing to address hypotheticals. Instead of openly expressing frustration, he maintained his professional demeanor.

He could have taken a more assertive stance, calling out the team’s lack of transparency and making it clear that he felt misled. While excessive drama might not have been productive, a well-calculated response could have pressured the Falcons into reconsidering their approach toward him.

Cousins Must Take Control to Change His Fate with the Falcons

Cousins did meet with team owner Arthur Blank, but the details of their discussion remain unknown. Whatever his intentions were during that meeting, they did not lead to a change in his current situation. He remains a well-paid but sidelined player, seemingly at the mercy of the team’s decision-making. If Cousins was hoping for a different outcome, his approach lacked the necessary assertiveness to influence the Falcons’ strategy.

If Cousins truly wants out of his backup role, he needs to take a different approach. He must challenge the Falcons’ decision to pay him $27.5 million while keeping him on the bench. Expressing his displeasure publicly and pressuring the organization could force a trade or a reevaluation of his role.

Simply put, if he wants to avoid finishing second string, he may have to stop being the “nice guy” and start demanding the respect and playing time he believes he deserves.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins recently met with team owner Arthur Blank, and reports indicate that the team has no plans to release him. NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero confirmed the news, noting that Cousins has a no-trade clause in his contract, which complicates any potential move. The initial report came from Albert Breer of The MMQB, further fueling speculation about Cousins’ future with the team.

Kirk Cousins Struggles in Atlanta, Raheem Morris Benches Him for Michael Penix Jr.

After signing a four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons last offseason, Cousins faced challenges during his first year in Atlanta. Returning from an Achilles heel injury, he initially started strong but became inconsistent as the season progressed.

His struggles were particularly evident during the Falcons’ four-game losing streak from Weeks 10-14, where he failed to throw a touchdown and had eight interceptions. This downturn led head coach Raheem Morris to bench him in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. in Week 16.

Despite his benching, Cousins has expressed a desire to continue playing in 2025, whether with the Falcons or another team. With three years remaining on his contract, he carries a $40 million cap hit for the 2025 season. While he has $27.5 million in guaranteed salary for next year, there are no guarantees beyond that.

His contract structure makes it difficult for the Falcons to trade him before June 1, as doing so would result in $37.5 million in dead cap for 2025, along with additional penalties in 2026 and 2027.

Post-June 1 Trade Offers Financial Relief for Falcons and Kirk Cousins’ Future

A trade after June 1 would be more financially viable for Atlanta. In this scenario, the Falcons would spread out the dead money, incurring $12.5 million in each of the next three seasons.

However, they would also benefit from significant cap savings of $27.5 million in 2025 and $45 million in both 2026 and 2027. Given that the team has ruled out releasing Cousins, a post-June 1 trade appears to be the only realistic way for the Falcons to move on from him.

If the Falcons decide to trade Cousins before the 2025 season, his time in Atlanta will end with modest production. He would leave the team with 3,508 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions. While his future remains uncertain, the financial complexities of his contract and the Falcons’ current stance suggest he may stay in Atlanta unless a trade materializes later in the offseason.

The Kirk Cousins era with the Falcons is one many fans would prefer to forget quickly. He signed a $180 million contract with $90 million guaranteed but only played 14 games before being benched for Michael Penix Jr.

In his last five games as a Falcon, Cousins went 1-4, throwing just one touchdown and nine interceptions, allowing the Buccaneers to overcome a three-game deficit and take the lead in the NFC South.

On the field, there is little reason for Falcons fans to remember Cousins fondly, but his professionalism during a tough period makes him hard to dislike.

Despite the struggles and the difficult situation, Cousins has shown everyone that he is a true professional. He has taken Michael Penix Jr. under his wing, doing everything he can to help him succeed. This might seem like the least a veteran should do, but many quarterbacks before him would not have done the same.

The guidance Penix has received from Cousins is invaluable. Cousins has forgotten more about football than Penix has learned so far. There’s a strong chance Penix wouldn’t have led the Falcons to the playoffs without Cousins’ support, and he’s now much better prepared for success after spending a full season with a veteran who has seen it all.

On the field, the $90 million for Cousins’ underwhelming performance over 14 games seems like a failure. But his role in mentoring Penix might end up being worth more than that, showing the kind of person and professional he truly is.