Falcons ‘have already made a decision’ on future of $180m flop Kirk Cousins after awful first season
The Atlanta Falcons have made a judgment call on Kirk Cousins’ future with the team after a terrible first season in the Peach State.
One day after their season ended in a 44-38 overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers, the Falcons have reportedly made a decision on their quarterback situation for the next few years.
According to NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe, the Falcons plan to retain Cousins for next season while signing Michael Penix Jr. promote as their main starter.
“From what I understand, the Falcons are not going to just release him,” Wolfe reported Monday. “They will listen to teams when it comes to trade offers, but they want to get something back from that deal.”
“And they’re willing to bring him back as a backup quarterback if it doesn’t happen that way,” he added.
Atlanta entered 2024 as the favorite to win the NFC South after signing Cousins to a four-year contract worth $180 million in free agency. However, the four-time Pro Bowler failed to live up to expectations in his 14 starts, leading the team to favor Penix for their final three games.
The Atlanta Falcons have decided to hold on to Kirk Cousins while they receive trade offers
Atlanta signed Cousins to $180 million in free agency before he failed to live up to expectations
The Falcons saw a spark when Penix led the offense as they averaged 32 points per game in his three starts.
Unfortunately, they finished with a record of 8-9 and missed the postseason for the seventh straight year.
The veteran quarterback arrived in Atlanta after six seasons in Washington and another six in Minnesota. Upon his arrival, Cousins completed just 303 of 453 passes for 3,508 yards and 18 touchdowns.
He also threw 16 interceptions and was sacked 28 times.
Cousins’ lucrative deal includes $100 million in guaranteed money and was seen by many as a risk since the 36-year-old suffered an Achilles tendon injury in 2023.
Should the Falcons and Cousins part ways, there are several teams looking to acquire his services as the Raiders, Titans and Giants all need starting quarterbacks.
The Cleveland Browns may also be interested if they terminate their contract with Deshaun Watson.