Former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins seemed to have made a good move by accepting a profitable new contract with the Atlanta Falcons, but appearances can be misleading.
Bill Barnwell, who works for ESPN, declared Cousins as one of the major losers in the league after the draft. His rationale was simple: Atlanta made a surprising choice by selecting NFL Michael Penix Jr. as the 8th overall pick, completely changing their quarterback situation. According to Barnwell, the new Atlanta quarterback was not aware that the Falcons were considering Penix before the selection. He also mentioned that the organization didn't extensively pursue Penix, as the Washington quarterback didn't visit Atlanta before the draft. It is one of the most astonishing top-10 picks in recent memory.
Cousins agreed to a
$180 million , four-year deal with the Falcons about six weeks earlier, which includes a fully guaranteed $100 million. However, the addition of Penix significantly impacts the quarterback situation, potentially changing both Cousins' and Atlanta's future preferences.As a result, it's possible that the four-time Pro Bowler might only spend one or two seasons with the Falcons before moving on. Barnwell suggested three possible landing spots for Cousins: the
Las Vegas Raiders Pittsburgh Steelers, Tennessee Titans and Kirk Cousins Could Depart Atlanta Via Cut or Trade.
Quarterback Kirk Cousins, formerly of the Minnesota Vikings.
GettyBarnwell outlined scenarios including a potential trade after one season — if Cousins agrees to it — or being released after his first or second year in the NFC South Division.
Kirk Cousins Could Still Lose Long-Game With Falcons, Even After Signing for $100 Million Guaranteed
[Cousins] has a full no-trade clause, which means he can force the franchise to pay him that $100 million over two years before moving on to Penix for the 2026 season. Naturally, while Cousins might not want to move on to another city after just landing in Atlanta, the veteran might also not want to sit in 2025 behind Penix if the Falcons are ready to move on and there’s an exciting opportunity available elsewhere.
Could the Falcons move on after one year? Yes, although it would be more complicated. If Cousins agrees to a trade, it would be easy. … The Falcons would have $37.5 million in dead money on their cap, but we’ve seen teams [grow] more comfortable eating that sort of dead money if they’re ready to move on from a quarterback.
Projecting potential landing spots a year in advance is a tricky game to play, but the obvious one (San Francisco 49ers) appears to be off the board. … Otherwise, the other potential landing spots appear to be with the Raiders, Steelers and Titans, none of whom have a settled quarterback of the future.
Quarterback Kirk Cousins of the Atlanta Falcons.
GettyCousins will secure his money no matter what, but with nearly
$232 million already earned and an additional $100 million guaranteed, success in his career means more to him than just money. He has publicly expressed his affection for Minneapolis and considered it a home for himself and his family. Cousins' wife has strong connections to Atlanta, making that city a potential new home. Now, it seems reasonably likely that the 35-year-old quarterback (turning 36 in August) could be on the move again after a year or two.
Cousins is determined to achieve success on the field. Despite achieving impressive career statistics, including
nearly 39,500 passing yards and 270 touchdowns , Cousins has only won once in the playoffs (1-4 career recordThe Falcons have gathered a talented group of players over the past few years and compete in a relatively weak division. Winning a Super Bowl in the next season or two may be ambitious, but earning a couple of division titles and opportunities to make an impact in the playoffs are realistic goals for the Falcons.).
Cousins may have to leave his beloved Atlanta and relinquish a starting position for a contender before his career ends — or choose to be a backup. Despite having an extra $100 million, this is a significant departure from the path he believed was right when leaving Minnesota.
Former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins seemed to have come out on top in free agency by accepting a profitable new contract with the Atlanta Falcons, but appearances can be misleading.
