Kirk Cousins Rumors: Falcons Won't Release QB; Will Keep Him as Backup If No Trade

While many expect the Atlanta Falcons to part ways with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins this offseason, one expert suggested that the team is willing to forge ahead with him on the roster rather than losing him for nothing.

NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe reported on Monday: "From what I understand, the Falcons are not just going to release him. They will listen to teams in regards to trade offers, but they want to get something back from that deal, and they're willing to bring him back as a backup if it doesn't happen that way."

Cousins was replaced by 2024 No. 8 pick Michael Penix Jr. as the Falcons' starting quarterback for the final three weeks of the season. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Dec. 21 that Atlanta is expected to release Cousins before his $10 million roster bonus for the 2026 season becomes due on March 17.

It was less than a year ago that the Falcons signed Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract that included $100 million guaranteed. Unfortunately, the 2024 season played out in a way neither side had imagined, as Cousins threw for 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns and a career-high 16 interceptions before being benched. Atlanta finished the year with an 8-9 record and fell short of the playoffs for the seventh straight season.

Releasing Cousins would keep the Falcons on the hook for his $27.5 million salary in 2025, so it's understandable that they don't want to give him up without receiving something in return. However, the 36-year-old has a no-trade clause in his contract that limits Atlanta's ability to find a landing spot for him.

Wolfe noted that the Falcons are committed to Penix as their starting quarterback going forward, and his three-touchdown performance in the regular-season finale against the Carolina Panthers gave them more confidence in his chances to be successful.

If Cousins refuses to waive his no-trade clause, it sounds like he could spend the 2025 season as a mentor to Penix as the Falcons try to return to playoff contention.