Kirk Cousins, the veteran quarterback, was the starter for the Atlanta Falcons for most of last year. Now, he finds himself in a pickle as the team looks to move forward with preparations for the 2024 NFL season. Although he was active during much of the early offseason program, Cousins skipped organized team activities (OTAs) for the months of May and June. His participation at mandatory minicamp marks one of the most crucial turning points. It’s only the second time he’s faced the hometown press since being benched last December.
Last season, Cousins faced some of the worst pressure numbers in the league. His play tanked hard, leading to him being benched in Week 16 after tossing nine interceptions and just one touchdown pass in five games. Despite these setbacks, he expressed optimism about his ability to contribute to the team, citing his ongoing recovery from a torn right Achilles sustained earlier this year. Unlike Carter, though, he carries a no-trade clause. Even so, trade speculation regarding his future with the Falcons seems rampant as he’s obviously better off starting somewhere else.
The Rollercoaster of Last Season
Cousins entered the 2021 season as a cornerstone of Atlanta’s future, helping the team navigate a messy rebuild. His performance took a dramatic nosedive in the second half of the season leading up to his eventual benching.
In his press conference, Cousins took some time to reflect on his journey. He stated, “I’ve still got a little bit more to go but very encouraged by the progress I’ve made since January.” That being said, this sentiment reflects his resolve to come back bigger, badder and better going forward.
Through it all, Cousins has never wavered in his desire to have the Falcons be successful. He thinks that even with the nicks and bumps of an NFL season, he can still be a difference maker and game changer on any given Sunday. In Week 10, he suffered a vicious hit that affected his right arm and shoulder. This injury certainly played a part in his unfortunate middle-of-the-season downturn in performance.
The Dynamics of the Quarterback Room
And now that Cousins is back with the team, the tone in Atlanta’s quarterback room is one of learning together and competition. Newcomer Michael Penix has garnered attention for his potential and skill set, prompting discussions about how Cousins’ experience can benefit him.
Cousins appeared to come out in support of Penix, declaring, “I got your back.” A commitment to collaboration This aspect speaks to a greater appreciation for the value of mentorship and building a supportive cohort. The two quarterbacks have forged a close rapport, with Cousins pointing out that their work together on the field and in film study has brought them even closer.
Jessie Bates III, a teammate, commented on Cousins’ consistency, saying, “He is just not a guy that’s been consistently dealing with drama or [has] brought drama upon himself.” This lens adds new color to Cousins’ growing reputation as a leader on the team.
Trade Talks and Future Prospects
While Cousins faces the challenge of making the most of these dog days, trade rumors have persisted surrounding his potential new home. While this may be his one saving grace, since he has a no-trade clause, it doesn’t completely prevent a trade from happening. The Falcons have since issued no tangible denials on Cousins’ future. So they remain at a crossroads of whether to retain the controversial quarterback or to seek potential trades.
Cousins’s message was clear. Talk of wanting out of Atlanta was more appropriate in January and February. His first priority should be doing what’s best to make progress within the team structure. Any team that acquires him in a trade before March will inherit his $10 million roster bonus due in 2026. This makes any potential negotiations even more complicated.
Cousins has all but confirmed his desire to start the future gig elsewhere, for now his attention is on his teammates. He articulated, “I just want to be as supportive as I can,” demonstrating his commitment to fostering a positive environment regardless of his future with the team.
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