Kirk Cousins is reportedly set to part ways with the Atlanta Falcons as he approaches free agency for the second consecutive offseason. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the 36-year-old quarterback, who joined the Falcons this year on a four-year, $180 million contract after a six-year tenure with the Minnesota Vikings, is likely to be released before March 17. This decision comes in light of head coach Raheem Morris’s announcement that rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. will start for the remainder of the season.
Cousins stands to incur a hefty roster bonus of $10 million due on March 17, which further fuels expectations of his departure. His situation resembles that of Russell Wilson earlier this year, where Wilson was released before his guaranteed salary took effect. Should Cousins be signed by another team for the 2025 season, the Falcons would still be financially responsible for $26.3 million of his remaining contract.
As free agency approaches, numerous teams are projected to be in the market for a quarterback, with Cousins being a potential fit for several franchises. Teams such as the New York Giants, Tennessee Titans, Indianapolis Colts, New Orleans Saints, and Las Vegas Raiders might target Cousins as a reliable bridge quarterback as they consider drafting a young prospect in the upcoming NFL Draft. Furthermore, the Cleveland Browns could also see Cousins as a serious contender for competition with their current quarterback, Deshaun Watson.
This season, Cousins has put up solid numbers despite facing challenges, amassing 3,508 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions for a 7-7 Falcons team that still has slim playoff hopes with three games remaining.
In summary, Kirk Cousins is poised for a significant transition as the NFL offseason looms, opening the door for new opportunities with various teams in need of quarterback leadership.
This scenario shines a light on the ever-changing nature of the NFL, where opportunities arise and new chapters begin, potentially leading to fresh successes for Cousins in the next phase of his career.