Rich Mckay Chief Executive Officer – Ambse; Chief Executive Officer – Atlanta Falcons | Atlanta Falcons Website
Rich Mckay Chief Executive Officer – Ambse; Chief Executive Officer – Atlanta Falcons | Atlanta Falcons Website
Atlanta Falcons General Manager Terry Fontenot addressed questions about quarterback Kirk Cousins' future with the team after Cousins started only 14 games in the 2024 season. The Falcons had initially signed Cousins to a four-year, $90 million fully guaranteed contract in March 2024, expecting him to be the starting quarterback while Michael Penix Jr., drafted with the No. 8 overall pick, would be developed for the future.
Fontenot explained that they anticipated "high-level quarterback play for two seasons" from Cousins, but this plan changed when Penix took over as the starter for the final three games of the season. Head coach Raheem Morris described Penix as "the light at the end of the tunnel" for Atlanta.
Despite this shift, Fontenot stated that Atlanta feels "very comfortable" keeping Cousins as Penix's backup in 2025. However, Cousins is set to be the highest-paid player on their roster next year, with a cap number of $40 million and a guaranteed salary of $27.5 million.
The Falcons have several options regarding Cousins' contract: keeping him on the roster or exploring trade scenarios. Cutting him before June 1 would result in $65 million in dead money, dropping to $40 million if cut after June 1. Fontenot dismissed reports suggesting they would release Cousins before his $10 million roster bonus is due.
Trading Cousins is complicated by a no-trade clause that can only be waived by him and his representatives. Fontenot indicated openness to trade discussions but emphasized that all parties involved must agree.
The financial implications of Cousins' deal have affected Atlanta's salary cap and resulted in losing their 2025 fifth-round draft pick due to a tampering violation. Despite these challenges, Fontenot expressed confidence in managing their cap space and building a competitive team around Penix as the starter.
Fontenot concluded by acknowledging it is not ideal for a backup quarterback to occupy significant cap space but reiterated their comfort with retaining Cousins rather than releasing him.
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