We all assumed the Falcons would unload QB Kirk Cousins in some way this offseason. They committed to then rookie Michael Penix Jr. at the end of last year. So why keep the huge contract around, especially for a guy who hasn't had to play backup since 2014? But Yahoo's Charles Robinson says he believes Cousins might stay in Atlanta.
Robinson: "I thought the Falcons were bluffing about keeping Kirk Cousins. I don’t think that anymore. They’re going to roll right through the Sunday deadline to lock in another $10 million in 2026 guaranteed salary and see where this goes. Either he’s a pricey backup or a trade candidate."
There's no way for Atlanta to unload Cousins without eating a bunch of guaranteed money/cap space from his ridiculous contract. But this Sunday's deadline could have saved the team some cash.
It appears the team would rather see if it can still squeeze some value out rather than save that money, though.
I'm sure the Falcons would still jump at a worthwhile trade, but we'll have to wait to see if anything arises on that front.
Otherwise, we might just be looking at a backup QB with a $40 million cap hit for 2025.
The dead-cap numbers come way down on Cousins' remaining years beyond this season.
Atlanta's other offensive skill-position guys would win for Cousins remaining stuck on the roster.
Sure, he stunk as a starting QB last year. But he'd still be one of the best backups in the league.
There shouldn't be much impact if Cousins does stay with the Falcons. He's barely getting drafted by current best ball ADP. But it's probably worth skipping even minimal shares of Cousins in current drafting.
Guys around him such as Russell Wilson, Daniel Jones, and rookie Jaxson Dart look like better plays.
And don't let the Cousins situation affect your outlook for Penix. He's the guy for Atlanta.
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