Falcons have delusional idea of Kirk Cousins’ future

Amid a playoff push, one to end a six-season drought, the Falcons’ focus is on the Commanders as Michael Penix Jr. and Jayden Daniels square off in the NFL’s first-ever primetime matchup between two rookie first-round picks. But soon, Raheem Morris and Terry Fontenot will have to turn their attention to Kirk Cousins.

The benched veteran is taking his role as Penix’s backup seriously, which shouldn’t surprise anyone. Cousins has been a consummate professional since entering the league, and it wasn’t going to change after his demotion. He’s doing what’s best for the Falcons right now, but there will come a time when he prioritizes himself.

This offseason will present a unique challenge for Morris and Fontenot. If, and that’s a big if, they can convince Cousins to waive his no-trade clause, that will greatly benefit the organization. However, Cousins has no incentive to help out the Falcons. In fact, it’s in his best interest to force their hand. Unsurprisingly, it seems the organization has a delusional idea of where things currently sit with their quarterback situation, per The Athletic’s Josh Kendall.

“Behind the scenes, team officials have floated the idea that Cousins could be the Falcons’ backup throughout next season because Penix’s rookie salary ($5.2 million in 2025) gives the team flexibility to keep Cousins’ $40 million cap hit on the books,” the Falcons beat writer said.

Now, the Falcons’ position could be that either Kirk Cousins waives his no-trade clause or he will be kept on the roster and forced to be Penix’s backup. That would be inviting confrontation, but there’s a possibility that it forces Cousins’ hand. Does he want to be a starter bad enough?

Of course, that’s highly unlikely. What’s most probable is the Falcons cutting ties with the veteran and taking on a considerable amount of dead cap, $40 million of dead money in 2025 and $25 million of dead money in 2026.

Falcons officials can float the idea of keeping Cousins on the roster next year all they want, but they know what’s coming, and it’s yet another period with massive amounts of dead cap. Just a few years ago, the Falcons swallowed the largest dead cap hit in NFL history when they traded Matt Ryan. It’s coming again.

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Photographer: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire