Kirk Cousins is expected to attend the Atlanta Falcons’ mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, although he remains interested in being traded to a team where he can start. Cousins participated in the Falcons’ voluntary training in April, but his time in Atlanta has been unusual, especially after the team used a first-round pick on quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who took over as the starter in Week 15 of the 2024 season, shortly after Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million deal.
There have been trade talks surrounding Cousins, as Penix has become the favored starter. However, the Falcons seem to be demanding a high price, reportedly asking for at least $20 million of the $37.5 million guaranteed left on Cousins’ contract to be absorbed by the acquiring team. Complicating matters, Cousins does not have a no-trade clause, meaning he can reject any trade if he doesn’t want to join that particular team.
With Aaron Rodgers now in Pittsburgh, the New Orleans Saints could be an ideal fit for Cousins, especially after Derek Carr’s retirement, but a trade there is unlikely since the Saints are division rivals. If no trade materializes by Week 1, Cousins is expected to remain with the Falcons for the 2025 season, where he carries a $27.5 million guarantee plus a $10 million roster bonus. Should Penix face injury or struggle during the 2025 campaign, Cousins could get another opportunity to start.
The likelihood of Cousins staying in Atlanta continues to rise, but his situation remains one to watch, especially if other teams experience quarterback challenges in the near future.
Fan Take: This unfolding saga around Kirk Cousins highlights the complexities of NFL roster management and contract negotiations. For NFL fans, it signals potential shifts in quarterback dynamics that could influence team strategies and rivalries, adding intrigue to the upcoming seasons.
