Kirk Cousins’ future with the Atlanta Falcons continues to attract intense speculation and scrutiny as the 2025 NFL offseason unfolds. Falcons General Manager Terry Fontenot added fuel to the fire, leaving many to question the organization’s true intentions.
Falcons General Manager Addresses Kirk Cousins’ Status In Atlanta
Falcons GM Terry Fontenot made waves at the NFL Scouting Combine by declaring that the team is “moving forward with Kirk Cousins as the backup QB“. This statement has been met with skepticism, given Cousins’ hefty contract and his track record as a starter.
Terry Fontenot said in a scrum with local media that the Falcons’ stance on Kirk Cousins and his future in ATL hasn’t changed since January, which is that the Falcons plan to move forward with Cousins as Michael Penix Jr.’s backup.
— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) February 25, 2025
He’s bluffing because he’s looking for a trade.
Problem is that all the other teams know he’s bluffing and will wait for Kirk to be cut….🙄— Spiff the Spaceman (@SpiffSpace62) February 25, 2025
Head coach Raheem Morris reiterated the team’s conviction in Michael Penix, according to reports on X.
“Michael Penix is our quarterback. And Michael Penix will continue to be our quarterback,” Falcons coach Raheem Morris said.
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) February 25, 2025
Kirk Cousins’ Salary Cap Hits Keep On Coming For Falcons
Cousins is currently in the first year of a four-year, $180 million contract, with a guaranteed salary of $27.5 million for the 2025 season. Additionally, a $10 million bonus is set to activate on the fifth day of the new league year in March.
This sizable financial commitment puts the Falcons in a bind, especially considering Cousins will be a spectator barring injury to or underperformance from Penix.
#Falcons GM Terry Fontenot said the plan right now is to pay QB Kirk Cousins his upcoming bonus and move forward with him on the team.
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) February 25, 2025
What else is he supposed to say “ yeah we’re paying this guy 180 to be our backup but if no one trades for him we’ll cut him and let him chose his team”
— soɔɹɐM🚀 (@ChipGawd11) February 25, 2025
Trade Rumors and Potential Suitors For Kirk Cousins
Despite Fontenot’s declaration to the press, trade rumors around Cousins still have a heartbeat. As PFSN noted in a previous article, the New York Jets have been mentioned as a potential destination, given their need for a quarterback and past interest in Cousins.
However, Cousins’ no-trade clause is significant hurdle to any deal getting done. In all likelihood, even the most desperate of QB-hungry teams will wait until Cousins is cut so they can sign him to the league-minimum for veterans.
What The Falcons’ “Artificial Deadline” Means
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that the Falcons have an “artificial deadline” to decide on Cousins’ future. This deadline is unofficially tied to the $10 million bonus due in March, creating pressure for the team to resolve the situation before then.
Many NFL insiders and fans question whether Fontenot’s public support for Cousins as the backup is genuine or a strategic move to maintain leverage in trade negotiations. Keeping Cousins as a backup seems financially unsustainable, and behind closed doors the Falcons are probably still exploring options to move on from the 13-year-veteran.
After throwing for at least 4,000 yards and 25 touchdowns in seven of eight seasons as the full-time starter from 2015-2022, Cousins has seen a steep decline in production. He threw a league-leading 16 interceptions in 14 starts with the Falcons in 2024. He placed 24th on PFSN’s 2024 QB Rankings with author Ben Rolfe citing Cousins’ inability to convert third-down opportunities.
As the NFL offseason progresses and the artificial deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Atlanta to see how the Kirk Cousins saga pans out.
