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Marc Raimondi
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — A March bonus deadline, the majority of free company and the NFL draft have handed, and one thing that appeared like a longshot a number of months in the past stays a actuality: Quarterback Kirk Cousins continues to be a member of the Atlanta Falcons.
And it might proceed that manner into coaching camp and the season.
“We love Kirk,” Falcons assistant common supervisor Kyle Smith stated final week. “We love that he is right here.
“If one thing is smart for us, then we are going to give it some thought.”
The Falcons signed Cousins to a $100 million assured contract final offseason. He carried out effectively by 9 video games in 2024 earlier than struggling throughout a four-game dropping streak. Cousins threw eight interceptions and no landing passes over that stretch, which primarily ruined Atlanta’s playoff possibilities.
Cousins was benched in Week 16 in favor of then-rookie Michael Penix Jr., who was drafted No. 8 total six weeks after signing Cousins. The Falcons made it clear then that Penix can be their quarterback “transferring ahead,” and it appeared as if Cousins’ quick time in Atlanta have been coming to an in depth.
However relatively than launch him, the Falcons picked up a $10 million roster bonus for Cousins on March 15, which can take impact in 2026. The staff has made it clear that it will not simply lower him with out getting any compensation from one other group. Cousins, who has a no-trade clause, has made it recognized that he needs to be a beginning quarterback within the NFL this coming season. He went so far as a telephone assembly with proprietor Arthur Clean to plead his case for being launched.
Cousins surprisingly confirmed up for the staff’s voluntary offseason exercise program final month. The potential buying and selling companions for the Falcons have dwindled, with a number of franchises hashing out their quarterback questions over the previous few weeks.
Atlanta officers have been adamant that they’re snug with Cousins as Penix’s backup, as they’re paying his $27.5 million wage this 12 months anyway.
Smith stated Atlanta is “continually” having discussions with different groups about potential trades, not simply involving Cousins. The 13-year quarterback has been with the staff a “handful of days” already through the offseason program, although he doesn’t must be.
“Clearly, [Cousins is] in a job that he ended the season in, as backup, and [we] would count on him to — similar to he did final 12 months — simply be there for Mike, be there for anyone on the offense,” Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson stated final week. “For me, after I’m up there putting in, it is actually not that a lot completely different. We had that very same state of affairs late within the season.
“Clearly, after they made the swap, all people bought on board with it then, and all people’s on board with it now. However Kirk’s clearly a beneficial participant to this offense, to this staff. And he is right here. We’ll coach him similar to we do each different participant on the staff.”
The Falcons will probably be preserving a eager eye on what occurs across the league with different groups’ quarterback conditions. Because the season will get nearer, Atlanta might see elevated leverage. Will Aaron Rodgers actually land with the Pittsburgh Steelers? If not, possibly that could possibly be a touchdown spot for Cousins.
And accidents are inevitable on the quarterback place, which might result in a staff being excited about a confirmed starter. Cousins will probably be two years faraway from a torn Achilles and theoretically nearer to his baseline in 2025.
So far as Cousins being any form of distraction to Penix or the staff normally, Robinson stated he doesn’t count on that.
“I do not really feel an awkwardness personally with me or the coaches, however I perceive he needs to go play someplace,” Robinson stated. “However, shoot, we are going to coach the blokes which are right here and count on Kirk to present us the identical factor again.”
If the Falcons do transfer Cousins, they’re going to in all probability be available in the market for an additional veteran backup. Atlanta signed Easton Stick final month. Stick was the third-string quarterback behind Justin Herbert and former Falcons quarterback Taylor Heinicke with the Los Angeles Chargers final season. Stick might find yourself being the No. 2 quarterback, however given Penix’s historical past — he had season-ending accidents 4 instances in faculty — it will be prudent for the Falcons to usher in somebody with extra expertise. Stick is 0-4 in NFL begins.
Irrespective of how the state of affairs shakes out, the Falcons are as assured as ever in Penix after a stable three-game stint as starter final season. He accomplished 58% of his passes for 737 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions, not less than two of which weren’t his fault.
“I feel the three-game pattern measurement was sufficient for everyone to see his expertise, his capability to do something he needs with the soccer in his hand, contact any a part of the sector along with his arm energy,” cross recreation coordinator T.J. Yates stated. “And we’ll have the ability to get artistic and do various things with him going ahead.”
