With three years remaining on a four-year contract signed 13 months ago, Kirk Cousins is guaranteed nothing in Atlanta in 2025. Well, other than the $27.5 million Falcons owner Arthur Blank owes for the upcoming season under the terms of that pact.
Blank said at the NFL annual meeting in Florida that he understands the situation and peripheral concern around paying a longtime starter more than $2 million per month in 2025 to be the No. 2 quarterback behind Michael Penix Jr. As of his most recent one-on-one meeting with Cousins, Blank maintained that’s precisely what he plans to do.
“I think Kirk will do what he needs to do. He’ll show up when he needs to show up,” Blank said two days after head coach Raheem Morris informally dismissed Cousins from voluntary workouts. “I think he’ll do what his heart and spirit allows him to do. I never see him as being a divisive individual. I don’t think it’s in him to be that way. With certain personalities, you might worry a little bit. I’m not really worried about that.”
Cousins turns 37 in August and, in addition to $100 million in guarantees, the Falcons gave him a no-trade clause to sign who was considered the marquee free agent in the 2024 offseason cycle. But suitors are unlikely to part with assets to pick up Cousins’ albatross contract — unless an injury or unexpected turn of events leads to desperation.
Among the potential landing spots for Cousins are the Minnesota Vikings — as a backup or competitor to second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy, selected two picks after Penix by the franchise Cousins abandoned in free agency — and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Pittsburgh is changing starting quarterbacks for the third consecutive season, opening the door for Justin Fields (Jets) and Russell Wilson (Giants) to bolt in free agency after both posted winning records for the team last season. The Steelers are on hold for another greybeard free agent, Aaron Rodgers, to decide if he’ll join the team for 2025. Minnesota also kicked the tires on bringing in Rodgers, an option that could be revived.
Blank claims Atlanta’s commitment to Cousins as a No. 2 quarterback, as expensive and rare as the arrangement might be, works for the team for at least another season. He said the Falcons are comfortable paying Cousins a premium rate as insurance behind Penix, who had a significant history of major injuries in college and has only started three games in the NFL.
“When you have a starting quarterback, God forbid, even with all the protection the league affords with rules and equipment, etcetera, players get hurt on occasion. And it could be the quarterback,” Blank said.
–Field Level Media
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