Arthur Blank Says Kirk Cousins, Falcons in 'Good Place' amid Uncertain Future, Rumors

Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank said the team and quarterback Kirk Cousins are in a "good place" amid his uncertain future with the franchise after he was benched for then-rookie Michael Penix Jr. last December.

Blank spoke with NFL Network's Steve Wyche on the matter in Palm Beach, Florida, home of this week's NFL owners' meetings.

Blank said Cousins asked to speak with him, and the two talked for "about an hour." He told Cousins that he was there to listen and even took five pages of notes, interjecting at times to provide thoughts "from a franchise standpoint." Blank added that it couldn't have been a more cordial and respectful talk.

He also added: "I think it created, you know, clarity about what he hoped for and what his views were and what happened and why it happened, etc. So I think we're, you know, we're in a good place and if he ends up our backup quarterback, we have the best in the National Football League, which is always a good thing, and if we end up making a different decision, we'll move on."

It's clear Blank has great respect for Cousins, who he said "couldn't be more of a gentleman." He also added that Cousins wants to be a free agent so he can have a chance to play, but Blank also noted that he's under contract.

The Falcons and Cousins agreed to a four-year, $180 million deal ($100 million guaranteed) last offseason. He threw 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions in his first nine games (6-3 record) before tossing just one score and nine picks in his final five (1-4). That led to a benching for Penix.

It's a new era in town, but it's unclear what Cousins' status will be. He doesn't want to be the backup, but a trade could very well be possible.

Atlanta also notably owes him a $10 million roster bonus for 2026 since it kept him on the roster past a 4 p.m. ET deadline on March 15.

Dianna Russini of The Athletic, on the Scoop City podcast, threw out the possibility of the Cleveland Browns adding him.

Falcons head coach Raheem Morris told reporters at owners' meetings Tuesday that Atlanta would look into trading Cousins if the opportunity came about.

For now, though, Cousins is QB2 on the Falcons' depth chart as Atlanta moves forward with Penix as the starter.