Kirk Cousins appears set to exit the Atlanta Falcons after just one season, with reports indicating that the team plans to release him before March 17 to avoid a $10 million roster bonus. The decision comes after Falcons head coach Raheem Morris named rookie Michael Penix Jr. as the starting quarterback for the remainder of the season, signaling a transition that makes Cousins’ departure likely.
Having signed a significant four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons following his tenure with the Minnesota Vikings, Cousins now finds himself in a position similar to that of Russell Wilson with the Denver Broncos earlier this year. Like Wilson, who was released before his salary fully guaranteed, Cousins could be facing a similar fate as the Falcons look to adjust their roster for the future.
If Cousins is released, the Falcons would still be responsible for $26.3 million of his contract for the upcoming season. Many teams are expected to be in the market for a quarterback this offseason, and Cousins could draw interest, especially from teams seeking a veteran presence to mentor a younger quarterback. Potential suitors may include franchises such as the New York Giants, Tennessee Titans, Indianapolis Colts, New Orleans Saints, and Las Vegas Raiders. The Cleveland Browns have also been mentioned as a potential landing spot if they seek competition for Deshaun Watson.
This season, Cousins has put up decent numbers, amassing 3,508 passing yards with 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions for the 7-7 Falcons, though the team’s playoff hopes are dwindling with three games left in the season.
As Cousins navigates an uncertain future, he has the potential to find a new opportunity and contribute to another team’s success. Given the current demand for seasoned quarterbacks, he could emerge as a valuable asset in the upcoming free agency market. This situation reflects not just the challenges of professional sports but also the opportunity for growth and new beginnings in one’s career.
A hopeful perspective on this situation is that with change often comes new prospects and potential for success, which Cousins may yet find in the next phase of his career.