NFL insider Albert Breer took mailbag questions this week as most teams wrapped up their offseason programs. One of those questions focused on the future of Kirk Cousins, who is currently set to play out the 2025 season as a very expensive backup quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons.
Kirk Cousins Eyes Exit as Falcons Hand Reins to Michael Penix Jr. for 2025
A major talking point this offseason has been Cousins’ desire to leave Atlanta, with hopes of starting elsewhere in 2025. After losing his job following a poor 2024 performance, the veteran quarterback reportedly requested a meeting with team owner Arthur Blank, asking to be traded to a team where he could start.
Atlanta is moving forward with second-year QB Michael Penix Jr. as the franchise starter, leaving Cousins in the background for 2025. The issue is the limited number of teams with an opening at quarterback — and the enormous price tag tied to Cousins.
He received $100 million guaranteed when he signed with the Falcons in 2024, with an average annual salary of $45 million. Now 36 years old, any team wanting to play him would have to send trade compensation to Atlanta and take on that massive contract.
Breer was asked whether Cousins would go into the 2025 season as the Falcons’ backup. He responded: “I think that’s the most likely scenario at this point. It feels, to me at least, like it’ll take a material change to someone else’s quarterback situation (be it by performance or injury) for Cousins to wind up on another team.
“My understanding is that once camp starts, Cousins, whose family is now rooted in his wife’s home state of Georgia, might not just waive his no-trade clause to start anywhere; it may take the right situation for him to go.
“I wouldn’t say this story is over. But we are well into the back half of the book.”
Looking at the NFL landscape heading into training camps, Cousins’ options appear very limited. That said, a few scenarios could emerge.
The Falcons have made it clear they are not willing to take on any of the remaining money if Cousins is traded, making it a steep price for any acquiring team.
Is a Viking Reunion on the Horizon for Cousins?
Cousins’ situation isn’t ideal for anyone. Atlanta doesn’t want to spend $45 million per season on a backup QB, and Cousins doesn’t want to ride the bench during the twilight of his career.
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Now that the Pittsburgh Steelers have finalized their deal with Aaron Rodgers, the New Orleans Saints might be the only team with a potential opening at quarterback.
The Saints drafted Tyler Shough in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, and he’s now expected to start in what is a very inexperienced QB room.
Reports have surfaced suggesting the Minnesota Vikings are worried that J.J. McCarthy may not be ready to lead the team. That’s a real concern, especially given the roster around him looks ready to compete for a Super Bowl.
If McCarthy struggles early in the season, a reunion between Cousins and head coach Kevin O’Connell could come into play.
At this point, any deal will likely come via demand. A major injury to a starting quarterback, especially on a playoff-contending team, could push Cousins’ name to the top of the list.
He’s still one of the best available quarterbacks in the league, and there may be teams that want him. The problem is getting a deal done with Atlanta. The financial side is a major hurdle.
For now, Breer believes Cousins will wait patiently and hope the right opportunity presents itself.
