Key Takeaways:
– Kirk Cousins,may leave Atlanta Falcons after a year or two.
– Falcons’ surprising draft-pick Michael Penix Jr., bringing an unexpected twist to the team’s quarterback scenario.
– ESPN suggests Las Vegas Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Tennessee Titans could be Cousins’ likely landing pads if he leaves Atlanta.
Kirk Cousins, previously part of Minnesota Vikings, inked a four-year deal, worth $180 million with Atlanta Falcons – a decision that may now see him exiting the team sooner than anticipated. The unexpected draft pick of another quarterback, Michael Penix Jr., by Falcon is the catalyst of this assumption.
The Sudden Shift in Atlanta’s QB Situation
On May 8, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell named Cousins as one of the NFL’s major losers after the recent draft. Barnwell’s deduction arises from the Falcons’ unforeseen decision to pick Penix Jr., which has subverted the entire quarterback situation of the team. Penix Jr. was chosen as the eighth pick overall, which has left many surprised, not excluding Cousins himself.
Cousins had previously signed his lucrative deal with Atlanta Falcons about six weeks prior to this event. A guarantee of $100 million was a part of this deal. Still, the recent introduction of Penix Jr. into the fold can alter Cousins’ future with the Falcons significantly.
More Instability for Cousins on the Horizon?
With this surprising twist, Cousins, a four-time Pro Bowler, may find himself facing an abrupt end to his tenure with the Falcons. It’s possible his stay will last for just one or two seasons before he’s heading for different shores. The Raiders, Steelers, and Titans are predicted as the most probable future destinations for Cousins, according to Barnwell.
Barnwell presented potential scenarios: a cut or trade after Cousins’ first or second year in the NFC South Division. Cousins possesses a full no-trade clause, implying he can pressure the management to pay him $100 million prior to switching to Penix Jr. in the 2026 season.
While it is not uncommon for teams to be comfortable bearing dead money when ready to move on from a quarterback, the intricate process may leave $37.5 million in dead money on Falcons cap.
Potential Welcome Spots for Cousins
Projecting potential landing spots in advance can be a little precarious. However, the Raiders, Steelers, and Titans are the prospective welcoming teams for Cousins, as the 49ers’s doors seem to be closed.
Career Victory Means More than Monetary Gains for Cousins
The money is guaranteed for Cousins, but the $100 million compensation may not mean career victory for the former Vikings QB. Cousins, who has already earned nearly $232 million, has always cherished more than just monetary rewards. For Cousins, a solid winning record presents a more definitive success, rather than the financial gains.
Despite his impressive stats, which include nearly 39,500 passing yards and 270 touchdowns, Cousins has only a single win in the playoffs. Although Falcons, known for its remarkable skill players, provides a feasible platform for winning chances, a Super Bowl possibility appears distant.
Therefore, Cousins might need to make a difficult choice – leaving Atlanta, a place that feels like a home, or choosing the bench over a starting job for a contender. Even with an additional $100 million, accomplishing a substantial winning record remains elusive for Cousins.