“In the NFL, the only thing harder than watching the Masters on a janky app is figuring out what the Falcons are doing with Kirk Cousins.” That’s not just a fan take—that’s actual NFL Network banter. Ian Rapoport captured it perfectly during a recent conversation with Rich Eisen.
As they dove into Joe Flacco’s surprising return to the NFL at 40, Rapoport made a sharp comment about how absurd it is that in 2025, watching The Masters remains a hassle, but somehow it’s still more predictable than the Falcons’ QB situation.“We’re in 2025 and we still have to watch The Masters through some app on an iPad or secondary feed—it’s absurd. Never mind Flacco. Let’s do 30 minutes on the absurdity of trying to watch Amen Corner like I’m physically camped by a green.”
The Cousins bluff heard ‘round the South
While fans scrambled between channels trying to catch a glimpse of the action at Augusta, the Falcons were tangled in their own quarterback conundrum. Rapoport continued, joking that the viewing experience was like a conspiracy against productivity. “It’s like a conspiracy by every employer in America: ‘Let’s make this impossible to watch so productivity doesn’t crater before the weekend.’”
It’s as if the Falcons’ front office was also playing a game of hide-and-seek with the future of their quarterback position. Now, let’s get back to the Falcons. Imagine Atlanta starting the 2024 season hot, sitting pretty at 6-3, only for the wheels to come off. A four-game skid and Michael Penix Jr. struggles.
ATLANTA, GA – NOVEMBER 03: Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins 18 after the Sunday afternoon NFL, American Football Herren, USA game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Dallas Cowboys on November 3, 2024 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire NFL: NOV 03 Cowboys at Falcons EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon9532411032354
And then, enters the one constant—the veteran Kirk Cousins, whose contract (and possible trade) has become a more pressing issue. As Ian Rapoport noted, this is more about managing the present than crafting a future with Cousins at the helm:
“Unless Atlanta is serious about giving Cousins away, why would the Browns trade for him now?” So, here we are. The Falcons are stuck in a holding pattern with a high-priced QB who may not have much left to deliver. The team – that doesn’t want to eat most of Cousins’ salary while holding up hope for a future with Penix – could be stuck in QB limbo. Rapoport summed it up: Cousins could provide valuable backup, but only if the Falcons find themselves in a real pinch.
Kirk’s Exit & the Ghost of ‘Dirty Bird’ past
Kirk Cousins, a guy known for his clutch moments (remember that 33-point comeback?), is now in an awkward situation. His contract is up in the air, and Atlanta is dealing with an uncertain future. Rapoport joked that even with a possible Cousins departure, there’s still value in keeping him around:
Most 300+ yard games in Vikings history
NFL’s largest comeback win (33 points vs. Colts)
Over 39,000 passing yards
And multiple mic’d-up moments fit for NFL Films gold
“Even if Cousins stirs things up a little—and I don’t think he will—it’s still valuable to have a guy who can go out there and give you a shot for two or three games. That’s what this is really about.”
This is crucial—because while the Falcons might not want Cousins to start, his experience could help them navigate mid-season slump. This situation echoes what other NFL teams have done with veterans in similar positions, like what the Giants did with Russell Wilson.
So, the Falcons’ strategy? It’s a lot like watching a golf tournament through an app on an iPad—you get the sense of the big picture, but the details are scattered and frustrating. As the NFL world watches, it’s clear that Atlanta is at a crossroads. Their future at quarterback is uncertain, with Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr.‘s spot hanging in the balance. Meanwhile, Cleveland’s addition of Joe Flacco for $3 million (as Rapoport put it) has added another layer of intrigue.
“This doesn’t mean Cleveland won’t draft a quarterback—it just means they don’t have to.” And just as Rapoport pointed out regarding the Falcons:
“Unless Atlanta is serious about giving Cousins away, why would the Browns trade for him now?”
For the Falcons, the question remains: Do they stick with Cousins, trade him, or finally hand the keys over to Penix? The clock is ticking, and the mystery deepens. The only thing clear is that the drama is far from over.
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