The Kirk Cousins saga in Atlanta has taken another unexpected turn! After seemingly pushing for an exit from the Falcons, the veteran quarterback is now saying he's open to staying. But here's where it gets controversial... what does this mean for the team's future, especially with Michael Penix Jr. waiting in the wings? Let's break down the latest developments.
Rewind to earlier this year, and the picture was very different. Kirk Cousins, the high-priced QB who was eventually benched late in the 2024 season, reportedly met with Falcons owner Arthur Blank to discuss a potential release. Despite Cousins' apparent desire to leave, no trade or release materialized. He ended up starting almost half the season, largely due to Penix Jr.'s recurring injury concerns. These injuries, a major issue during Penix's college career at Indiana, allowed Cousins to start eight games and lead the team to five of their eight wins.
Cousins is currently under a four-year, $180 million contract, with only $10 million in guaranteed money remaining for the 2026 season. While Penix is still considered the likely starter in 2026, his injury history definitely throws a wrench into those plans. And this is the part most people miss...the Falcons invested heavily in Penix, suggesting they see him as the long-term solution. So, where does that leave Cousins?
Fast forward to today, and Cousins is singing a different tune. Months after his meeting with Blank and his apparent desire for a release, the 14-year veteran has publicly stated he would "love" to stay in Atlanta, confirming that he has no plans to retire. He's slated to earn a $35 million base salary in 2026. Could this be a strategic move by Cousins, or a genuine change of heart?
The Falcons, however, face a tricky situation. Trading Cousins and his hefty contract would be challenging. In the past, the front office, led by Terry Fontenot (who, along with Raheem Morris, has since been replaced), sought to have any acquiring team absorb a significant portion of his salary. But Cousins' performance in 2024 wasn't stellar to say the least, which further dampened his trade value. Despite this, the Falcons allowed his $10 million 2026 guarantee to vest, indicating a willingness to keep him around, at least for now. While Cousins' presence didn't propel the Falcons into the playoffs, they did manage a four-game winning streak and a three-way tie for first place in the NFC South.
Statistically, Cousins' 2024 season saw him throw for 10 touchdowns and five interceptions. However, his completion percentage (61.7%) and yards per attempt (6.4) were career lows for seasons where he was the primary starter. While some teams might be interested, his contract remains a major obstacle. Minimal trade interest surfaced during the season, further complicating matters.
Now, let's talk about Kyle Pitts. The presence of a veteran like Cousins seemed to benefit the talented tight end. Remember when Pitts thrived as a rookie with Matt Ryan throwing him the ball? Well, after a few inconsistent seasons, Pitts showed signs of life in 2024. In his contract year, he hauled in 88 receptions for 928 yards and a career-high five touchdowns, including a standout performance against the Buccaneers with 11 catches for 166 yards and three touchdowns. This performance has positioned him well for free agency, despite his up-and-down track record.
There was even a rumor circulating about the Falcons potentially using the franchise tag on Pitts. But with the team undergoing significant changes, ESPN's Dan Graziano believes an extension at a top-tier rate is unlikely. As of now, no extension talks have been reported. It's worth noting that Drake London is entering a contract year and is undoubtedly a priority, and Bijan Robinson is now extension-eligible as well. This could keep the franchise tag in play for Pitts, but an extension might be a stretch for a team in transition.
Considering Pitts' success came when he had a great connection with Ryan, it will be interesting to see how Ryan's views might influence the situation now that he is expected to take a lead front office role with his former team as President of Football Operations.
So, what do you think? Is Cousins' change of heart genuine, or is he simply trying to maximize his value? Should the Falcons prioritize extending Pitts, even with London and Robinson also needing new deals? And how will Matt Ryan's presence in the front office impact these decisions? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
