Well, folks, it looks like Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons are headed for a split. And let’s be honest, it’s been a messy situation from the start.
Remember when the Falcons drafted Michael Penix Jr. in the first round, even though they had just signed Cousins to a massive contract? Yeah, that didn’t exactly send a message of confidence to their veteran quarterback.
And now, after a disappointing season, it seems like the Falcons are ready to move on. They benched Cousins in favor of Penix Jr., and the writing is on the wall: Cousins’ time in Atlanta is coming to an end.
The big question is, what happens next? Cousins has a no-trade clause, so he has all the leverage here. He can basically choose where he wants to play next. And with a $10 million roster bonus coming up in March, the Falcons might just decide to release him rather than pay up.
If that happens, Cousins will be a free agent for the second straight offseason. And despite a tough year in Atlanta, he’s still a talented quarterback who could be a valuable asset to a team in need of a veteran presence.
There are a few potential landing spots out there. The Steelers, Jets, Giants, Raiders, Saints, Browns, and Titans could all be in the market for a quarterback. And let’s not forget, Cousins has a history with Kevin Stefanski, the head coach of the Browns, from their time together in Minnesota.
It’s going to be a fascinating offseason for Cousins and the Falcons. Where will Cousins end up? Will the Falcons find a trade partner? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure: this divorce is going to be messy, and it’s going to have a ripple effect across the league.