Kirk Cousins’ 2024 season with the Atlanta Falcons started strong but ended in disappointment.
After signing a four-year, $180 million deal, Cousins helped lead the Falcons to a 6-3 record, including a franchise-record 509 passing yards against Tampa Bay in Week 5. But things quickly went downhill. During a four-game losing streak, he threw eight interceptions and didn’t throw a single touchdown.
In Week 16, Cousins was benched for rookie Michael Penix Jr. Cousins later revealed he had been dealing with a shoulder and elbow injury from a hit he took in Week 10 against New Orleans, even though he first said he was healthy. The Falcons finished 8-9 and missed the playoffs.
Now, Cousins’ future with the Falcons is uncertain. He has said he wants to start for another team in 2025. However, trade talks have been tough because of his $27.5 million guaranteed salary and a no-trade clause in his contract. Atlanta seems fine with keeping him as a backup behind Penix. In a surprise move, Cousins showed up for the first day of the Falcons’ offseason program on April 22, even though the head coach thought he might skip it. His appearance showed professionalism, even though his role for the future is unclear.
While speaking on The Pat McAfee Show , NFL insider Ian Rapoport shared his thoughts on Cousins’ future. Rapoport said, “If your good friend Aaron Rodgers does not go to Pittsburgh, I think that would be a possibility, but it feels to me like the other possibilities don't exist. People talked about the Vikings — they traded for Sam Howell. People talked about the Browns — well, they drafted a second quarterback in Shedeur Sanders. The more this goes, I kind of think he's going to be the Falcons' backup. He's got family in Atlanta, he's got a no-trade clause, I'm not sure he's going to go anywhere.”
For now, it looks like Cousins will stay in Atlanta, backing up rookie Penix . Even though his future as a starter is uncertain, Cousins’ experience and leadership could still play an important role for the Falcons moving forward.
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