Falcons QB Kirk Cousins Is Reportedly Done

Two new reports have surfaced on the future of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins, and it's not exactly encouraging news for the four-time Pro Bowler.

Cousins is the Atlanta Falcons' backup quarterback behind 2024 first-round pick Michael Penix Jr., who took over the QB1 gig for the final three games last year. Cousins' stunning benching came just months after signing a four-year deal worth $180 million in free agency, including $100 million in guarantees.

With multiple quarterback injuries around the league (Brock Purdy, Joe Burrow, J.J. McCarthy, Justin Fields and Jayden Daniels), Kirk Cousins trade speculation has rapidly picked up in recent days.

But on the latest episode of the "Scoop City" podcast, The Athletic's Dianna Russini and Bleacher Report's James Palmer dropped significant updates that suggest Cousins is stuck in Atlanta as a backup QB.

"From what I can gather, the Atlanta Falcons are not trying to move him at this point. They don't have any idea about what they want to do after this season. But the thought has been, 'We want to keep him on this roster, unless there's a team that's going to come in and say, 'We'll pay for his full salary.' And I just don't see a team willing to do that."

Palmer's scoop on the Kirk Cousins trade front wasn't promising for the veteran wide receiver, either.

"There were some people around the league that I talked to that think Kirk Cousins is essentially done. It has to be the right team that doesn't think that...I think him staying...is the most likely outcome."

Make of all that however you wish.

Kirk Cousins' Contract Is The Real Obstacle

Cousins got off to a strong start in Atlanta last year before inexplicably unraveling in the second half. He's also nearly two years removed from surgery on a torn Achilles, so it's reasonable to think he'd be better in 2025 after a frustrating 2024 campaign.

Many think the Minnesota Vikings should sign Kirk Cousins after losing McCarthy, but they signed former Falcons third-round pick Desmond Ridder to back up Carson Wentz, the temporary starter.

Unfortunately for Cousins, his contract makes a trade practically impossible right now. A team like Minnesota, San Francisco or Cincinnati can't take on such a lucrative contract for a temporary QB option, and bottom-feeders like the New Orleans Saints, New York Jets and Cleveland Browns have no reason to take on that hefty contract for a 37-year-old QB.