Kirk Cousins’ time with Atlanta Falcons has not expired yet.
Falcons intend to honor Quarterbacks $ 10 million guard bonus, according to ESPN. The payment triggers if cousins are on Atlanta’s list after 7 p.m. 16 a Saturday.
Cousins were benched in front of Atlanta’s Week 16 match against New York Giant’s last season.
The move came after cousins fought and threw nine interceptions over a five-game stretch. In December, Falcon’s main coach Raheem Morris confirmed that the team’s plans for Michael Penix should be the “starting quarterback moving on.”
CLICK HERE for more sports cover at Foxnews.com
Atlanta Falcons Quarterback Kirk Cousins before a game against Minnesota Vikings at US Bank Stadium. (Jeffrey Becker/Imag- Pictures)
Cousins signed a four -year contract of $ 180 million in March 2024. The trade included $ 90 million in guarantees and $ 10 million guard bonus, which would be paid on March 17. The team made the shocking decision to use # 8 elections in the NFL draft of Michael Penix, just six weeks after committing to a cousin.
While marriage between cousins and Falcons certainly seemed to divorce, Falcon’s general manager Terry Fontenot said the organization was “comfortable” with the 36-year-old who was left with the team and backed up Penix.
NFL CONFIDENTIAL: Inside the current persecutions of Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson
“We are very comfortable getting on with (cousins) as a backup,” Fontenot said in January. “Kirk is a great man and he has been great support for Mike. We are very comfortable getting on with him as backup.”
Atlanta Falcons Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) and quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) before a game against New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Brett Davis/Imag images)
While the sincerity of fontenot’s comments is still being discussed, the decision to keep the four-time pro bowler on the guard schedule at least at least possible that quarterback could be in a Falcons uniform by 2025.
Cousins met with Falcons owner Arthur Blank last week and asked to be traded for a team he had a chance to start next season, Sports Illustrated reported.
Atlanta Falcons Quarterback Kirk Cousins is preparing for a game against New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Brett Davis/Imag images)
However, blank and falcons are likely to do what is in the best interest of the franchise. There will be financial consequences for what the organization decides.
Cousins are due to $ 27.5 million next season, whether he plays for Falcons in 2025. Bonus of $ 10 million is valid for the 2026 season. Cutting ties with cousins and pointing out the transaction as a post-June 1 release would allow Atlanta to spread the salary socket over two years.
As Falcons choose to stick to cousins - at least for now – the front office will probably spend the extra time working to find a team willing to accept a trade. If a trade is realized, cousins would get the last word about where he is sent because his contract includes a clause without trade.
