Kirk Cousins showed up at the Atlanta Falcons' mandatory mini-camp and let his feelings be known professionally a couple of weeks ago. But is that the end of the quarterback controversy?
Honestly, there is no controversy. The relationship (at least in public) between Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins is perfectly fine. Behind closed doors, the story could always be different, but Cousins has always been a genuine guy and a great teammate.
Falcons QB's Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins on the field during mandatory mini-camp. Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Falcons QB's Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins on the field during mandatory mini-camp. Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
He stated that he would obviously like to start somewhere, but realizes that the market has all but dried up for him. He is a Falcon for now, and by the end of the season, if he is still in uniform, even in a backup role, he wants to be holding up a Lombardi Trophy.
Things would have heated up for him if Aaron Rodgers had retired instead of signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers. At least, that was the plan. Cousins would have swallowed his pride and agreed to be the Steelers contingency plan if it meant being a starter somewhere.
For now, the only real option is for the New Orleans Saints to step in and agree to eat some of Cousins' contract money still owed to him by Atlanta after Derek Carr hung up his cleats.
Outside of the Saints pulling the trigger or an injury occurring in training camp or during the season, the Falcons are perfectly content with having Cousins in a backup role. However, according to Spotrac, it does come with the financial strain of having the fifth-highest salary cap outlay at the quarterback position.
Next season, Cousins' salary cap will rise to $57.5 million against a dead cap of $35 million. One way or another, he won’t be on the roster in 2026. For now, the Falcons are relying heavily on Cousins to remain professional, supportive, and engaged, knowing that they will listen to offers for him to start elsewhere. Hoping that will be enough to keep him engaged in the event that he is thrust in with a Penix Jr. injury.