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Despite signing Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract last offseason, the Falcons made it clear he is now their backup. Cousins, who threw for 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions last season, has no interest in staying in that role.
Atlanta passed the deadline to release him before his $10 million roster bonus kicked in, which means they are now committed to paying him at least $100 million in guaranteed money. With trade inquiries picking up before the NFL Draft, the Falcons are looking to move him but will have to navigate his contract and limited market.
Joe Burrow
— Netflix (@netflix) March 19, 2025
Kirk Cousins
Jared Goff
Quarterback Season 2 is coming to Netflix this July. pic.twitter.com/O688EDTv2N
According to NFL insider Josina Anderson, Atlanta has "been getting calls" about Cousins, though finding a team willing to take on his remaining three years may not be easy.
The Falcons are reportedly asking for a third-round pick in return, but his hefty contract complicates negotiations.
Some teams could push for Atlanta to retain part of his salary, while others may offer lower compensation given the circumstances.
Cousins’ refusal to attend voluntary offseason workouts only adds to the awkward situation, with ESPN’s Adam Schefter reporting that he "is likely to stay on the roster until after the draft" as the team waits for the best possible offer.
By the way, it really is truly incredible—Kirk Cousins will have made over $330 million on the field once he’s paid out all his guaranteed money from his #Falcons contract. Since 2016......
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 19, 2025
2016: $19.9M fully-guaranteed
2017: $23.9M fully-guaranteed
2018: $26M fully-guaranteed… https://t.co/41UivMk8cQ
Adding to the drama, Netflix’s Quarterback documentary will feature Cousins this season, potentially shedding light on his rocky tenure in Atlanta.
The series could reveal more about the Falcons’ handling of his benching, his reported injuries, and his reaction to the team drafting Penix. This situation remains fluid, but it’s clear Atlanta is trying to trade Cousins rather than keep him as an expensive backup.
As one source told Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, “The Falcons brass has said it’d do what’s best for the team at QB.” Right now, that means finding a way to move Cousins.
Photo Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
