Kirk Cousins’ future in Atlanta has been a hot topic since he was benched for Michael Penix Jr.. Now, with new head coach Raheem Morris taking over, he might be stuck with the current QB situation. Well, HC Morris may just bid on Cousins, expecting better play. Earlier this offseason, he openly stated, “He’s got to play better”. Morris cares about fit, the man has stepped into a team that spent the eighth overall pick on Penix Jr.. If the Falcons are serious about a new identity, they need to fix their vision potential shift at QB. With today’s roster deadline looming, the Falcons have made their call.
ESPN reporter, Adam Schefter’s Instagram post makes it official that QB Kirk Cousins is staying on the Falcons’ roster past the 4 PM deadline. This locks in his $10 million bonus for 2026. Well, this doesn’t come with the guarantee that he will be here for long-term. Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million contract in 2024. Then he was benched late last season in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr.. This brought a lot of questions about his role in Atlanta.
By keeping Cousins, the Falcons are maintaining stability at the QB position for now. However, his contract impacts Atlanta’s roster-building strategy as they approach free agency and the draft. Say what you want. But, this decision allows the team to assess their options without rushing into a trade. Or, release before fully checking and calculating all possibilities.
But then again, Falcons might not be keeping Cousins only for stability. The could be doing it because they have no financially viable way out. Cutting Cousins now would cost Atlanta a record-breaking $87 million in dead cap, essentially wrecking their 2025 offseason before it even starts. So instead, they’re holding onto him, hoping his trade value increases while they quietly prepare Michael Penix Jr. to take over. To put that into perspective, when the Green Bay Packers traded Aaron Rodgers to the Jets, their dead cap hit was $40 million. Kirk’s would have been more than double that.
By keeping Cousins past the June 1 deadline, the Falcons have now successfully spread that $87 million cap hit across two seasons — $67 million in 2025 and $20 million in 2026. This allows Atlanta to maintain cap flexibility this offseason and avoid completely crippling their roster.
Talking about Cousins’ performance in 2024, he was bearable in 2024 before the Falcons benched him. But, the coaching staff’s decision to sit him raised doubts about the teammates’ confidence in him as their long-term leader. Raheem Morris, now in his first offseason as Falcons HC, has remained non-committal about Cousins’ role moving forward. The team must now decide whether to stick with him, turn to Michael Penix Jr. as their starter, or explore other options.
Talking of the finances, keeping Cousins makes sense despite the $10 million bonus. Releasing him before the deadline would have accelerated more dead money onto their books. By waiting, the Falcons maintain leverage in potential trade talks and can continue evaluating their 2025 plans. However, this move doesn’t indicate a full commitment to Cousins as the franchise’s future quarterback.
No rush to trade Kirk Cousins, Atlanta keeps all options open
Kirk Cousins remained on the roster as the Falcons aren’t under immediate pressure to make a long-term decision. By triggering his bonus, Atlanta buys time to weigh different paths. That includes keeping him for 2025, exploring a trade, or cutting ties down the road. This move confirms the team doesn’t have to make a rash decision under the deadline pressure.
It’s no doubt, the trade speculation has surrounded Cousins since his benching last season. Several NFL teams that were looking for QBs could still be in the market for a veteran signal-caller. To understand, even if they miss out on preferred options in free agency or the draft. By keeping Cousins as of now, they are keeping a valuable trade asset in their name. They can move him later in the offseason if his market heats up.
Jun 3, 2024; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) shown in action on the field during Falcons OTA at the Falcons Training facility. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
If no favorable trade materializes, the Falcons still have the option of keeping Cousins as a bridge quarterback while Michael Penix Jr. continues to develop. While Cousins’ contract is expensive, Atlanta has the cap space to absorb it if they believe he can provide a stable presence for at least another year. However, his benching last season suggests the team may already see Penix Jr. as their long-term answer.
To put it together, Atlanta’s move shows their want for flexibility rather than commitment. They may trade Cousins, keep him as a starter, or release him down the line, the Falcons are keeping their options open. No doubt, the $10 million commitment is a headache, but it allows the team to pass the situation on their own terms without any external pressure dictating their decision.
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