Kirk Cousins’ future with the Atlanta Falcons remains uncertain as the team decided to retain him past a critical deadline, guaranteeing a $10 million roster bonus for the 2026 season. Cousins, who was benched in Week 16, had previously requested a meeting with Falcons owner Arthur Blank, but the team has not confirmed whether this meeting occurred. As the Falcons navigate their quarterback situation, they drafted Michael Penix Jr. in the first round, signaling a potential shift in leadership on the field.
Before being benched, Cousins struggled with nine interceptions and only one touchdown pass over five games. This performance led to frustration for Cousins, who has expressed his desire to be a starting quarterback in the NFL next season. The Falcons' decision to draft Penix caught Cousins by surprise, adding to his concerns about his role with the team.
Despite these challenges, the Falcons kept Cousins on their roster past 4 p.m. ET on Saturday. This decision triggered the guarantee on his $10 million roster bonus for 2026, which adds complexity to any potential trade scenarios. If Cousins were to be traded, he would need to clear any deal, and the Falcons would face offsets if he is no longer on the team.
Financial considerations play a significant role in the Falcons' decision to retain Cousins as Penix's backup. The team owes Cousins $27.5 million for 2025, making business strategy a crucial factor in their quarterback plans. For now, the most likely scenario involves Cousins continuing to wear an Atlanta uniform in 2025.
Leave a Reply