The Atlanta Falcons have reportedly retained quarterback Kirk Cousins past 4 p.m. on Saturday, triggering a $10million guaranteed roster bonus as part of his contract that is due next year. 

Cousins signed a 4-year, $180million contract with the Falcons last offseason. After going 7-7 as Atlanta’s starter, he was benched him for rookie Michael Penix. 

Penix played the final three games of the season and failed to lead the Falcons to the postseason. Yet, the team is sticking behind him for their starter for the upcoming season. 

Despite the huge price tag, the Falcons had planned to move on from Cousins, with him having the desire to start in the NFL again, per ESPN.

Cousins previously started for several seasons for the Washington Commanders and Minnesota Vikings before making the move to the Falcons.  

In Minnesota and Washington, Cousins was never viewed as an elite quarterback despite consistently solid play, mainly due to little playoff success. 

The Falcons have reportedly retained quarterback Kirk Cousins, triggering a $10million bonus

Cousins played for the first 14 games of the 2024 season before he was benched for Penix

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Cousins will turn 37 in August, putting him in a similar boat as Aaron Rodgers as aging quarterbacks still with the desire to play in the NFL. 

The two major differences between Rodgers and Cousins is the long-term success for the former and him not being tied to any franchise. 

Rodgers has yet to sign with a team after being released from the New York Jets. The Vikings, Giants, and Steelers appear to be his likely suitors.  

Cousins is still under contract with the Falcons for the next three seasons, which would take him into his 40s, should he stay in Atlanta. 

Cousins’ best sH๏τ at major playing time coming up appears to be Penix faltering as Atlanta’s starter and him taking back his QB1 position.