The Atlanta Falcons have reached a verdict about Kirk Cousins’ future with the team after an awful first season in the Peach State.
One day after their season ended in a 44-38 overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers, the Falcons have reportedly decided on their quarterback situation next years.
According to the NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe, the Falcons plan to keep cousins for next season while promoting Michael Penix Jr. as their primary starter.
‘From what I understand, the Falcons are not just going to release him,’ Wolfe reported on Monday. ‘They will listen to teams in regards to trade offers, but they wanna get something back from that deal.’
‘And they’re willing to bring him back as a backup quarterback if it doesn’t happen that way,’ he added.
Atlanta entered 2024 as the favorites to win the NFC South after signing cousins to a four-year deal worth $180million in free agency. However, the four-time Pro Bowler did not meet expectations in his 14 starts, which led the team to favor Penix for their last three games.
The Atlanta Falcons have decided to hold on to Kirk Cousins while entertaining trade offers
Atlanta signed Cousins for $180million in free agency before he failed to meet expectations
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The Falcons saw a spark with Penix leading the offense, as they averaged 32 points per game in his three starts.
Unfortunately, they finished with an 8-9 record and missed the postseason for the seventh straight year.
The veteran quarterback arrived in Atlanta after six seasons in Washington and another six in Minnesota. Upon his arrival, Cousins completed just 303 of 453 pᴀsses for 3,508 yards and 18 touchdowns.
He also threw 16 interceptions and got sacked 28 times in the process.
Cousins’ lucrative deal includes $100m guaranteed money and was seen as a risk by many since the 36-year-old was coming off a season-ending Achilles tear in 2023.
Should the Falcons and Cousins part ways, several teams are in the running to acquire his services, as the Raiders, тιтans, and Giants all need starting quarterbacks.
The Cleveland Browns may also be interested if they end their tenure with Deshaun Watson.