The Atlanta Falcons are 3-7 in the 2025 season. But as luck would have it, veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins is set to start again for them as starter Michael Penix Jr. injured his knee against the Carolina Panthers in the Week 11 loss. That gives a blow to their hope of cutting the 37-year-old. It will hit their purse badly.

Cousins joined the Falcons in 2024 on a major four-year deal. He signed a $180 million contract that runs from 2024 through 2027. The contract includes a $50 million signing bonus and $100 million guaranteed money. This year, the signal caller has a $40 million cap hit. So, if they cut him after 2025, they will have to pay him the dead charge of $35 million. The deal also gives him a full no-trade clause, meaning the team cannot trade him unless he agrees.

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