Kirk Cousins won’t be released by the Falcons following his up-and-down 2024 season, according to a report.
Cousins signed a mᴀssive four-year, $180million contract with the team last offseason and went on to start 14 games before being benched for rookie Michael Penix Jr., the No. 8 overall pick of last year’s draft.
Nonetheless, owner Arthur Blank informed Cousins in a meeting on Wednesday that the team does not intend to cut him, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. The report did not rule out Atlanta trading away Cousins rather than releasing him.
Cousins’ cap number for 2025 is $40million, and the Falcons would absorb $37.5million, $25million and $12.5million of ᴅᴇᴀᴅ money in 2025, 2026 and 2027 respectively if he was traded prior to June 1.
Meanwhile, if he’s dealt after June 1, the Falcons would save $27.5million in cap room for this season, while resulting in $12.5million in ᴅᴇᴀᴅ money for each of the next three years.
Cousins can also dictate his next franchise via trade, as he has a no-trade clause.
Pᴀsser Kirk Cousins won’t be released by the Falcons, according to a new report
Arthur Blank reportedly met with Cousins this Wednesday to discuss his future
The meeting between Blank and Cousins was first reported by Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, who said that Cousins wants to be a starter in 2025.
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That appears to be unlikely to be the case in Atlanta, as Raheem Morris turned to Penix for the final three games of the season after Cousins threw no touchdowns and eight interceptions during a backbreaking four-game losing streak late in the season.
Penix showed some promise in his three starts, throwing 737 yards and three touchdowns, while also giving away three interceptions.
More dominoes shifted on Friday with regards to the quarterback market as Geno Smith was traded to the Raiders from the Seahawks.
The Raiders gave up a third-round pick for the pᴀsser, according to multiple reports.
The Seahawks, meanwhile, are reportedly expected to pursue veteran options at quarterback, with Sam Darnold viewed as a leading contender according to Pelissero.
Elsewhere in the league, the Giants have been linked with Aaron Rodgers – and could draft a quarterback as well – while the Jets are also in need of a pᴀsser.
