The Atlanta Falcons have been one of the most talked-about teams this offseason as they navigate what to do with Kirk Cousins. Despite now being the second-string quarterback, the Falcons chose not to move Cousins or offload his hefty contract — a decision that ESPN’s Seth Walder believes was the right one.
“The Falcons are moving forward with Penix at quarterback but opted to keep Kirk Cousins on the roster past the fifth day of the league year, which triggered a full guarantee for his $10 million 2026 roster bonus,” Walder wrote. “It might have created an awkward situation, but it was the right call.”
However, not everyone shares that sentiment. ATL All Day’s Nick Halden hopes the Falcons can find a trade partner for Cousins to remove the distraction he believes the veteran quarterback brings.
“It will be interesting to see if any potential landing spots present themselves throughout the season. If this happens and Penix plays as expected, it wouldn’t be shocking to see the Falcons turn the page on a player who continues to invite drama that should already be behind the improving franchise,” Halden wrote.
Halden is likely referring to how Cousins responded when asked whether he would have made the same decision in free agency had he known the Falcons planned to draft Michael Penix Jr.
“Certainly, if I had that information around free agency, it would’ve affected my decision. I had no reason to leave Minnesota, with how much we loved it there, if both teams were going to be drafting a quarterback high. But I’ve also learned in 12 years in this league that you’re not entitled to anything — it’s all about earning your spot and proving yourself,” Cousins said.
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His comments have drawn significant attention to the Falcons in recent days. Cousins reportedly never felt secure with Penix behind him, and now finds himself as the backup to the second-year quarterback. While the Falcons boast a talented young roster, Cousins’ ongoing cryptic remarks continue to cast an awkward shadow over what should be a season of progress.
