Atlanta Falcons star and $27.5 million backup quarterback Kirk Cousins was mysteriously absent from the team’s organized team activities (OTAs) on Tuesday.

‘I did not see him today,’ Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said. ‘He did not show up in the meetings, so I did not see him today.’

Cousins, who turns 37 in mid-August, has been visible at the team’s offseason workouts prior to Tuesday. The Falcons reportedly are open to listening to trade offers for Cousins, who would have to waive his no-trade clause.

While Cousins is holding out hope for a starter’s role with another team, the Falcons likely are waiting until after June 1 to trade the quarterback. Should that be the case, the team will be on the hook for a $12.5 million ᴅᴇᴀᴅ cap charge.

Atlanta signed Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract with $100 million guaranteed before the 2024 season, then selected Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick in the draft.

Reactions to Cousins’ absence could be divided into two categories: Criticism over what some saw as a selfish move and support for a player exercising his right to miss a voluntary practice. 

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins missed voluntary OTAs on Tuesday 

‘Atlanta wasted a lot of money on Kirk,’ one critic wrote. 

‘Good thing he’s their highest paid player,’ another joked. 

Many more were quick to point out that OTAs are not compulsory by NFL rules, federal law, or even local ordinances in Atlanta. 

‘I love these comments,’ one supporter wrote. ‘It’s almost like they aren’t voluntary.’

‘It’s voluntary so who cares?’ another asked. 

Cousins has been mentioned in trade rumors, although it’s unclear if there’s a QB-hungry team willing to take on his salary. The Pittsburgh Steelers are one potential destination as they wait for free agent Aaron Rodgers to make up his mind on his NFL future. 

Cousins threw for 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions in 14 starts last season. 

The Falcons started the season 6-3, but a nosedive Cousins told NFL Network coincided with a shoulder injury prompted Morris to turn the offense over to Penix with three games left in the regular season. Penix went 1-2.

Penix is the team’s No. 1 quarterback entering the new season. The Falcons also have quarterbacks Easton Stick and Emory Jones on their roster.

Michael Penix Jr. #9 of the Atlanta Falcons is introduced prior to the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 5

Penix got some experience as a team leader on Tuesday when the Falcons began Phase 3 of the offseason by getting out on the field and doing individual drills and a few noncontact team periods.

‘I’m excited,’ Penix said after two hours of voluntary outdoor practice. ‘We get to be out there against the defense and work real football. I can’t wait for this season.’

Penix, who was drafted eighth overall by Atlanta in 2024, started the Falcons’ final three regular-season games and completed 58 of 100 pᴀsses for 737 yards with three touchdown pᴀsses and three interceptions in those starts. Cousins led the Falcons to a 6-3 start last season but lost his job after struggling with interceptions.

Penix described his growth over his first full offseason knowing he is the starting quarterback.

‘The one that I want to point (to) is just connecting with the guys,’ Penix said. ‘I feel like I’ve done a lot better with connecting with everybody around the team. Not just offensive guys but defensive guys as well. Whether that’s just around the facility eating lunch or going out and playing golf with some of them. Don’t ask about my golf game.’

Morris said Penix is ‘finding his voice’ as a leader.

‘When you take over that quarterback spot, there’s a certain humility about playing the position,’ Morris said. ‘Then it (comes) a certain confidence about playing the position. Eventually it turns into a little bit of an arrogance about playing the position where it’s non-negotiable. We’re not there yet. I don’t think we will be for a little bit, but I think he’s at the mode of where he’s starting to get that confidence to be able to figure out how to get to that point.’

Wide receiver Darnell Mooney, who also is in his second year with the Falcons after signing a three-year contract ahead of the 2024 season, said Penix has done a good job of undertaking a leadership role so far.

‘I think he’s been doing well owning that he’s the guy and that he’s (going to) be the guy,’ Mooney said. ‘He’s doing a good job showing up every day. He’s more quiet and can play around a little bit but he’s really just a chill guy.’

Penix had a recent conversation with former quarterback Matt Ryan, a 2024 Falcons Ring of Honor inductee.

‘I spoke to Matt Ryan and had a good conversation with him (about) learning how to be a pro each and every day and how his process went,’ Penix said. ‘I feel like he definitely gave me some good things. Obviously he knows this is my second year coming into it (and) this is my first year starting. He talked to me about his times during that time and how he got to where he ended up.’