Falcons GM makes eye-opening statement on Kirk Cousin’s future

Terry Fontenot made a public appearance just moments ago, which is atypical for him, as the Falcons prefer to hide him in the shadows to prevent public scrutiny. But after another dismal campaign, Fontenot had to deliver some answers, and while he tap-danced around a majority of the questions, there were some notable moments from today.

Among them, Terry Fontenot discussed Kirk Cousins’ future with the organization, which confirmed some earlier reports from different outlets. The Falcons seem comfortable with Kirk Cousins as the backup quarterback next year behind Michael Penix Jr.

However, Fontenot also said the Falcons would be open to trading Cousins if the veteran is willing to waive his no-trade clause.

Terry Fontenot added there was no truth to the reports suggesting the Falcons were planning on releasing Kirk Cousins once the season ended.

The reality of the situation is the Falcons are in a standoff with Kirk Cousins, one that could last several months, and the first one that flinches will lose.

Cousins holds most of the power with a full no-trade clause. He also has a $10 million roster bonus that becomes guaranteed if he’s still on the roster by March 17th. The Falcons can play this game of chicken as much as they’d like, but do they really want to commit another $10 million to Kirk Cousins to be the backup quarterback?

It’s possible, given if they do move on from Cousins, they will have to sign a backup, and quarterbacks of any kind aren’t cheap these days, but it still feels unlikely. Cousins knows that, which is why there isn’t much incentive for him to waive his no-trade clause in any scenario.

If the Falcons really want to hang onto him to be the backup, he pockets another $10 million dollars. If not, they’ll have to release him, and Cousins is free to sign with whichever team he wants for the veteran minimum. By doing that, he’ll be sticking it to the Falcons, who clearly didn’t do right by him, while simultaneously helping his new team.

There’s almost no scenario imaginable where Cousins would waive his no-trade clause to help the Falcons moving forward, so Atlanta will have to decide if they want to fork over another $10 million for him to be the backup, or cut their losses and move on from one of the worst decisions in franchise history.

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Photographer: Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire