NFL Insider: Kirk Cousins, Falcons Have 'Artificial Deadline' on Future amid Jets Buzz

Kirk Cousins was benched in 2024 in favor of first-round pick Michael Penix Jr., a pretty clear indication that his time as the starter is now over.

So as ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported during Sunday's SportsCenter, the Falcons and Cousins have something of a pending deadline to decide whether he'll be traded or released this offseason.

"Cousins'$27.5 million salary is guaranteed for this year. So he's on Atlanta's books. He's the backup quarterback right now behind Penix. Something there has to shake out," he said. "The NFL Scouting Combine is in about a week-and-a-half, I expect Atlanta and Cousins' agent to talk about the future, see what they can shake out. You know, the New York Jets, once upon a time, wanted to sign Cousins. He's going to be one of the best options. He's recovered from his Achilles tear. And he's got a roster bonus due in March of $10 million, so that's sort of an artificial deadline for him to find a new team that should shake out."

The Jets are cutting ties with their own old and overpaid quarterback in Aaron Rodgers. Cousins is five years younger and less of a divisive public figure than Rodgers, but he also threw for one touchdown and nine interceptions in his final five starts in Atlanta before being benched. The Falcons were 1-4 in that stretch, diminishing their playoff hopes significantly.

If the Falcons can't trade him, they'll likely release him and absorb the $65 million in dead money, which they could spread out over two seasons with a post-June 1 designation. Either way, his time in Atlanta appears to be over.