Falcons Make Massive Decision Regarding Future of Kirk Cousins

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James Brizuela is a contributing sports writer located in Los Angeles. His focus is on Comics, Comic Book Movies, Video Games, NFL, and MMA. He has in-depth knowledge of the NFL as a whole, having been a fan for over 30 years, and covering the sports over the last six years. He also knows the ins and outs of the comics world, becoming an editor while covering everything DC and beyond on Comic Book Resources, Giant Freakin Robot, and Inside the Magic. James joined Newsweek in March 2024, having previously written NFL content for Sports Illustrated. He is a graduate of the University of California, Riverside. You can get in touch with James by emailing, j.brizuela@newsweek.com. You can find him at X @james_brizuela. 


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The Atlanta Falcons have now made a massive decision regarding the future of Kirk Cousins. After rumors of him being traded or released, the team is keeping the star quarterback around ... for now.

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According to multiple insiders, Cousins will remain on the Falcons roster past the 4 pm EST deadline, which will trigger a $10 million roster bonus for the signal caller.

This bonus won't be due until 2026, but it all but guarantees that the Falcons are not rushing a decision for Cousins in terms of him being released.

Kirk Cousins
Kirk Cousins #18 of the Atlanta Falcons warms up before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Todd Kirkland/Getty Images

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The roster bonus would presumably be picked up by whatever team wants to bring in Cousins, so this move makes perfect sense for the Falcons. Instead of releasing him and incurring a dead cap hit, the team can wait for a trade.

It is still believed that Cousins is going to be traded to another team, but the Falcons can wait for the right suitor. The signal caller would also need to waive his no-trade clause for a trade to even materialize.

NFL insider Tom Pelissero divulged more information about the Falcons' stance, stating:

"GM Terry Fontenot has said repeatedly that the team planned to proceed with Kirk Cousins on the roster. That stance hasn't changed. Cousins would need to waive his no-trade clause to facilitate any trade, and to this point, Atlanta has shown no motivation to move him."

Regardless of what could transpire between now and the NFL Draft, the belief is that the Falcons are going to keep Cousins on the roster. He is likely going to remain on the roster as the backup to Michael Penix and as his mentor.

Cousins did meet with the Falcons ownership to discuss being moved, but the ownership doesn't have to grant that request. Then again, a team might come in with a lucrative offer for Cousins, leading to him being placed on a new team.

The New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Minnesota Vikings still need a veteran quarterback. Cousins would likely not go back to the Vikings, but crazier things have happened in the league.

Cousins wants to be a starter but both the Giants and Browns are expected to draft a young prospect in the draft. The current Falcons quarterback might have to serve as a backup wherever he goes.

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About the writer

James Brizuela is a contributing sports writer located in Los Angeles. His focus is on Comics, Comic Book Movies, Video Games, NFL, and MMA. He has in-depth knowledge of the NFL as a whole, having been a fan for over 30 years, and covering the sports over the last six years. He also knows the ins and outs of the comics world, becoming an editor while covering everything DC and beyond on Comic Book Resources, Giant Freakin Robot, and Inside the Magic. James joined Newsweek in March 2024, having previously written NFL content for Sports Illustrated. He is a graduate of the University of California, Riverside. You can get in touch with James by emailing, j.brizuela@newsweek.com. You can find him at X @james_brizuela. 


Writers Page

James Brizuela is a contributing sports writer located in Los Angeles. His focus is on Comics, Comic Book Movies, Video ... Read more