The Atlanta Falcons have reached a verdict on Kirk Cousins' future with the team after a terrible first season in the Peach State.
A day after their season ended with a 44-38 overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers, the Falcons reportedly decided their quarterback situation for the next few years.
According to NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe, the Falcons plan to stick with their cousins for next season while promoting Michael Penix Jr. as their primary starter.
“From what I understand, the Falcons are not going to release him,” Wolfe reported Monday. “They will listen to teams regarding trade offers, but they want to get something in return for that deal.”
“And they're willing to bring him back as a backup quarterback if it doesn't happen that way,” he added.
Atlanta entered 2024 as the favorite to win the NFC South after signing its cousins to a four-year contract worth $180 million in free agency. However, the four-time Pro Bowler failed to live up to expectations in his 14 starts, leading the team to favor Penix in his final three games.
The Atlanta Falcons have decided to retain Kirk Cousins while they consider trade offers.
Atlanta signed Cousins for $180 million in free agency before he failed to live up to expectations.
The Falcons saw a spark with Penix leading the offense, as they averaged 32 points per game in his three starts.
Unfortunately, they finished with an 8-9 record and missed the postseason for the seventh straight year.
The veteran quarterback arrived in Atlanta after six seasons in Washington and another six in Minnesota. Upon his arrival, Cousins completed just 303 of 453 passes for 3,508 yards and 18 touchdowns.
He also threw 16 interceptions and was sacked 28 times in the process.
Cousins' lucrative deal includes $100 million guaranteed and was seen by many as a risk as the 36-year-old was coming off a ruptured Achilles tendon that ended his season in 2023.
Should the Falcons and Cousins part ways, several teams are competing to acquire his services, as the Raiders, Titans and Giants are in need of starting quarterbacks.
The Cleveland Browns could also be interested if they finish their tenure with Deshaun Watson.