FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Kirk Cousins is in attendance at the Atlanta Falcons' mandatory minicamp, head coach Raheem Morris confirmed Tuesday before the Falcons first open practice. It was reported Monday that this would be the case, with The Athletic's Dianna Russini stating Cousins would be fined for every day of minicamp he missed.
This is just another chapter in the Cousins' saga this offseason after the Falcons moved forward with Michael Penix Jr. as the starter with three games left in the 2024 season. Since January, Falcons leadership has stood firm in their stance of Cousins remaining on the roster as Penix's backup.
At the Annual League Meetings this spring, Morris and owner Arthur Blank detailed their individual conversations with Cousins, stating he has made it clear to them both he would like the opportunity (i.e. a trade) to be a starter in the league again. Morris said the Falcons wouldn't stand in the way of Cousins' wishes, if there was a deal that could be struck that benefitted both parties involved.
"If we get a call, we'll discuss it. If it makes sense and it's going to help this team, we'll do it," general manager Terry Fontenot said prior to the 2025 NFL Draft. "If not, we won't."
When the Falcons began voluntary offseason training programs in April, Cousins did report to the facility, though he was not present during the days of open practice in the weeks that followed. Mandatory minicamp is the first time Cousins has been on a Falcons field publicly since the 2024 season ended.
This story will be updated.