When Kirk Cousins touched down in Atlanta, the expectations were through the roof. After signing a four-year $180 million contract in March of 2024, and $100 million guaranteed, the Atlanta Falcons viewed Cousins as the missing piece that would lead them to success in the postseason. Cousins’ leadership and consistency made him an eye-popping candidate to lead the offense as he had a very successful stint with the Minnesota Vikings. After having struggles under center, the Falcons thought they had found their answer. However, things took a drastic turn and the major commitment to Cousins came crashing down.
Hot Start And Mixed Results: As the 2024 season began, Cousins showed flashes of his true potential while struggling to be consistent. Every week was a toss-up of which Cousins would show up. Week one started with mediocrity as the season opener started with one touchdown and two interceptions in the opening season loss.
Slowly but surely Cousins began to catch steam and build momentum. Week 5 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is a prime example of his hot flashes and how he could truly transform the offense. Cousins torched their secondary with 509 yards and four touchdowns, earning him the NFC Player of the Week on the offensive side of the ball.
As the season progressed and the playoff race became tighter, the inconsistencies truly began to become overwhelming. A week 15 showdown against a struggling Las Vegas Raiders team took the Falcons down to the wire. Cousins truly struggled as he only put up a total of 112 passing yards, an interception, and no touchdowns. Fans began to turn their back on the veteran Quarterback and call for the 1st round draft pick Micheal Penix Jr. to get his shot.
Turning of the Tide: After much scrutiny barely scrapping by the Raiders, head coach Raheem Morris made the bold decision to start rookie quarterback Micheal Penix Jr. against the New York Giants in week 16. This sent a statement to everyone across the league as one of the highest-paid free agents in the entire National Football League Kirk Cousins was sent to the sidelines.
Cousins showed the true heart of a competitor and did not allow for this decision to become a distraction. Kirk mentored Penix and helped him grow despite the pain that this decision caused him. After the season, Kirk had a sit-down meeting with team owner Arthur Blank to discuss his desire to be a starting quarterback no matter where his destination may be. However, it is imminent that the Falcons are 100% committed to developing Penix as the face of the franchise.
Tough decisions: As a new season slowly approaches, Cousins’s situation remains a headscratcher. The Falcons have stated multiple times that they have no desire to release or trade Cousins. Cousins’ contract would keep him on the team until 2028 unless a worthy trade candidate arrived. Given the experience and potential cousins still have, there are potential teams that could put packages together.
The road for Cousins remains hazy. If the Falcons retain him, there is no doubt that he will have to adjust to a backup role. However, if a team trades for him then he could get a second chance to prove he is still an elite quarterback in the NFL.
The Falcons quarterback controversy is far from over, and this is a situation that everyone needs to keep an eye on as Cousins is at a crossroads within his career. Whether the Falcons choose to release Kirk and inherit all of the dead money that comes with it, trade Kirk to another team, or keep him, this storyline is something that is far from over.
Written By: @kalebchester
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