The Falcons could not find much success despite signing a $180 million veteran QB. Now, imagine throwing big money at a player only to land in a tricky spot the very next season after inking that deal. The Falcons are having major salary cap troubles with Kirk Cousins‘ contract. That’s not what they would have hoped for when they signed the former Vikings QB. The team has decided to move forward with young QB Michael Penix Jr. after benching Cousins in the late regular season. And now, they have quite a tense situation regarding Kirk’s future with the team.
It’s time for this year’s NFL Scouting Combine, which is all set to take place from February 27 to March 2. The coaches and GMs of all 32 franchises will be there, and you can expect some interesting notes from them. And as for the Atlanta Falcons, it might finally be time for them to make a final decision on Kirk Cousins. This will be the first time the Falcons appear in front of the media since their last regular season press conference. And you know what questions will be tossed to HC Raheem Morris and GM Terry Fontenot – what are they going to do with Kirk Cousins?
Falcons’ future at QB is bright with Michael Penix Jr. but first up may be a waiting game as they decide what to do with Kirk Cousins.
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The Falcons made it clear back in January that their starting QB will be Michael Penix Jr. with HC Raheem Morris calling Michael “the light at the end of the tunnel.” Well, it’s good that the team has an answer for their long-term future. But what’s not looking good is the hefty contract situation they have with Kirk. Now the team will either have to keep him as the backup to Michael or sit for the contract restructure. SI reporter Albert Breer does not see that as a possibility. “I don’t see why Kirk Cousins would be motivated to facilitate a trade for the Falcons. Nor do I believe that Atlanta is going to keep him on the roster as a backup.”
If that doesn’t happen, the Falcons will still have to pay his $100 million in guaranteed money. If the 36-year-old stays on the roster, his cap hit will be $40 million. And, if the Falcons decide to release him, they will still face a $65 million dead cap hit. Translation: they’ll owe him money that counts against their salary cap.
And now, all the options they have seem to be working against them. When it rains, it pours. First, a disappointing season, and now a challenging offseason. So, what does the Kirk Cousins’ situation look like?
Falcons are in a tricky spot because of Kirk Cousins
The Falcons signed Kirk to a four-year deal worth $180 million. And if you remember, they sort of did him dirty after picking up Michael Penix Jr. in the draft. According to several reports, Cousins and his representative were not aware that the team had planned to sign another QB. Although Kirk was the starting QB for the team until Week 15. But after the disappointing performances, HC Morris announced that the team was benching the veteran QB. And Penix would take over as the starting QB. And with that, Kirk’s journey with the Falcons pretty much ended.
Now, looking at the trade option, that’s another complication. Cousins has a no-trade clause, meaning he must approve any move. According to Breer, the best option for Cousins seems to be if the Falcons cut him. “Cousins, of course, can see the math there the same as the team can, so all he really has to do is wait for the Falcons to cut him loose… If he’s cut, he’s more attractive to other teams than he would be as a trade target.”
Breer also suggested possible teams that could sign Cousins. He believes the Browns seem to be the best fit, as the veteran QB could be a feasible option while Deshaun Watson recovers from injuries. Another potential team is the New York Jets, who parted ways with Aaron Rodgers and are in the hunt for a new QB.
How do you think the future would pan out for the QB? Let us know in the comments below.
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