When the Falcons threw $180 million over four years at Kirk Cousins in 2024, he was supposed to be the unquestioned leader of the Dirty Birds. And why not? It’s a big commitment with $50 million upfront and $100 million guaranteed. But then came the curveball—Atlanta drafted Michael Penix Jr. , and suddenly, Cousins’ once-solid role got blurry. Then came the fallout. Cousins ended up benched last season while Penix, the team’s shiny first-round pick, stepped onto the big stage. That left Atlanta juggling tough questions: do they keep Cousins as a well-paid backup, or find a way to unload his massive deal?

Assistant GM Kyle Smith admitted back in April that the team has “constant discussions” with other franchises about Cousins, but only “if it makes sense.” Translation—Atlanta

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