Former Michigan State standout and current Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins was notably absent from voluntary organized team activities on Tuesday, which has fueled speculation regarding his future in Atlanta.
The 36-year-old Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons last March, but his longevity as the team’s quarterback of the future came into question after the Dirty Birds selected Michael Penix Jr. No. 8 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The four-time Pro Bowler started 14 games for the Falcons before being benched in favor of the rookie late in the season. In his lone season in red and black, Cousins threw for 3,508 yards and 18 touchdowns to a league-leading 16 interceptions.
The Falcons face a financial dilemma regarding former fourth-round pick. With Penix entrenched as Atlanta’s QB1 of the future, there leaves little logic for maintaining Cousins’ fully guaranteed $27.5 million salary going into the 2025 season. His $40 million cap hit, coupled with Cousins’ own desire to start elsewhere, eliminates several potential destinations.
While head coach Raheem Morris and GM Terry Fontenot have been willing to listen to offers, they are comfortable retaining Cousins as a backup should no trade materialize. Cousins’ no-trade clause also complicates any potential exit. Any deal would require his approval, meaning he controls the destination of his looming scenery change.
The team that has consistently made the most sense is the Pittsburgh Steelers. They are in the midst of a waiting game with Aaron Rodgers after losing Justin Fields and Russell Wilson, and it is clear that Mike Tomlin is not comfortable starting Mason Rudolph or Will Howard in Week 1. Their need for a reliable veteran makes Cousins an appealing option, as it is looking increasingly unlikely that Rodgers will return to football.
If a trade is not agreed to, the Falcons could consider a post-June 1 release to lessen the cap hit. But for now, the stand-off between the two sides continues, leaving his future in Atlanta -- and potentially his NFL career -- up in the air.