In a surprising development, the Atlanta Falcons are set to part ways with quarterback Kirk Cousins, although they remain interested in possibly retaining him under a significantly revised contract. This comes amidst discussions about his hefty contract, which amounts to a staggering $180 million over four years, with $100 million of that guaranteed. However, following a season where he lost his starting position to Michael Penix Jr., the Falcons are reconsidering their options regarding Cousins.
While the team plans to officially release him in March, sources suggest there’s an openness to negotiating a more affordable deal that would keep him in Atlanta. According to reports from The Athletic, it seems the franchise is not completely closing the door on Cousins; they might entertain the idea of bringing him back if he doesn’t land a better opportunity elsewhere.
Despite the challenges Cousins faced this past season—including stepping in during injuries that plagued Penix—his performance was modest at best. In ten games, he managed to accumulate 1,721 passing yards along with 10 touchdowns against five interceptions. The Falcons are now poised to release him primarily because his contract includes a $67.9 million guarantee for 2027 that will activate shortly, and it’s unlikely that any team is willing to take on that financial burden.
Interestingly, the restructuring of his contract earlier this month did not alter the guaranteed amount, which complicates matters further. New head coach Kevin Stefanski, who has previously worked with Cousins during their time in Minnesota, acknowledges their history but remains noncommittal about the future. "I have a previous relationship with Kirk, but I don’t know if it’s the time yet to talk about all those types of things," he remarked, emphasizing that discussions about Cousins' future will happen when the time is right.
Looking ahead, Cousins may seek a new team that can offer him a clear path to a starting role or at least one without a firmly established quarterback. Teams like the Jets currently lack a definitive long-term solution at the quarterback position, while the futures of quarterbacks in Miami and Arizona remain uncertain due to their own expensive yet less-than-stellar performers.
Should Cousins find himself without promising offers, he might consider transitioning into a media career, following in the footsteps of numerous former quarterbacks. Recently, CBS has included him in their broadcast team for significant NFL events, such as the Divisional Round and the AFC Championship games. This unexpected turn of events raises questions about Cousins' next steps—will he continue to chase NFL glory, or will he embrace a new chapter in sports media? What are your thoughts on this situation? Do you believe Cousins should try to revive his career, or is it time for him to step away from the game?
