Falcons Retain Kirk Cousins Despite $180 Million Deal and Browns Interest

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Updated Mar 12, 2025, 10:16 PM

The Atlanta Falcons are dealing with quarterback Kirk Cousins, who signed a four-year, $180 million contract with $100 million guaranteed, including a $27.5 million guaranteed salary and a $40 million salary-cap hit. Cousins lost his starting role to rookie Michael Penix Jr., drafted eighth overall in 2024, and is now positioned as a backup quarterback. Cousins is due a $10 million bonus on Monday, which could force the Falcons to make a decision on his future. The team has reportedly decided to retain him through the deadline, despite his no-trade clause and 16 interceptions in 2024. Cousins has expressed a desire to start elsewhere and met with Falcons owner Arthur Blank to discuss his future. The Falcons face financial implications if they release or trade Cousins. A release would result in significant dead money, while a trade would require restructuring his contract. The team has already faced tampering penalties related to Cousins' signing. The Browns, holding the No. 2 draft pick, have been linked as a potential destination due to Cousins' past connection with Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, but no deal has materialized. The Falcons may retain Cousins as a backup to provide insurance for Penix, who is unproven and has a history of injuries. The team could also wait for better trade opportunities later in the offseason or during the season if another team faces quarterback injuries.

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#Atlanta Falcons #Kirk Cousins #Cousins #Falcons #Arthur Blank #Browns #Kevin Stefanski #Penix

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Sources

ajc.com(3)usatoday.com(2)youtube.com si.com

D. Orlando Ledbetter

@DOrlandoAJC

3 reasons why the #Falcons could keep Kirk Cousins for a while https://t.co/JHz1yNTUBv

NFL Notifications

@NFLNotify

The falcons are trying to pry a pick out of the Browns for Kirk Cousins. So far the Browns are calling the bluff and expecting them to release him.

Sports Illustrated

@SInow

.@AlbertBreer thinks Kirk Cousins is the ideal choice to be the Browns' QB1 in 2025. ▶️ Watch the full Breer Mailbag on YouTube: https://t.co/u4cIwxOpcH https://t.co/QlylNrUNN5