Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins has made a notable offseason decision by not showing up for the team’s first organized team activities (OTAs) on Tuesday, May 27. The move comes amid speculation about his future with the franchise, just a year after signing a four-year, $180 million contract.
Kirk Cousins Skips Falcons’ OTAs Amid Trade Rumors and Uncertain Future
Cousins, 36, had participated in aspects of the Falcons’ voluntary offseason program in April, surprising some, including head coach Raheem Morris.
“I don’t think he’ll be there,” Morris had said at the time. “If he is, we’ll welcome him with open arms. But I’m not going to be fool enough to get myself worked up and angry about Kirk Cousins missing voluntary workouts.”
Falcons QB Kirk Cousins is not in attendance today for the team’s voluntary OTAs, HC Raheem Morris told reporters. pic.twitter.com/Q6oZEAAb5x
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 27, 2025
However, Cousins’ absence at the first OTA appeared more telling.
“I did not see him today,” Morris said during his press conference. “He did not show up in the meetings, so I did not see him today.”
The absence comes after Cousins lost his starting job to rookie Michael Penix Jr., the team’s 2024 first-round pick. Cousins started 14 games last season, throwing 18 touchdowns against 16 interceptions, before being benched following a string of turnovers. Despite leading the Falcons to a 6–3 start, the team finished 8–9 overall, with a 1–2 record under Penix.
Though he has a no-trade clause, Cousins is reportedly open to waiving it for the right opportunity. In 2025, Cousins is set to earn $27.5 million, with a cap hit of $40 million. Atlanta opted not to cut him and avoid a $10 million roster bonus, instead guaranteeing him that amount on top of his base salary.
However, reports suggest that the Falcons are seeking a trade partner willing to take on $20 million of Cousins’ remaining $37.5 million in guarantees. Yet, general manager Terry Fontenot dismissed any set figure.
MORE: NFL Analyst Offers 2 Realistic Ways Out for Kirk Cousins Amid Uncertain Future With Atlanta
“We haven’t put a number on it,” Fontenot said. “We wouldn’t share specific conversations, but to answer your question, we wouldn’t put a specific number on it.”
Fontenot also reiterated that the offseason program is voluntary.
“This is a voluntary thing,” he said. “Whether a player comes or doesn’t come, we have a lot of good professionals who we know are going to take care of their bodies, including Kirk.”
While the Falcons maintain that they’re open to having Cousins as a backup, they are also willing to listen to trade offers. With Easton Stick and Emory Jones rounding out Atlanta’s QB room, the situation around Cousins may develop further as the offseason progresses.