Falcons Face Tough Decision on Kirk Cousins’ Future Amid Contract Bonus Deadline

ATLANTA, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons are facing a pivotal decision regarding veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins as a looming contract bonus deadline approaches. General Manager Terry Fontenot stated on Jan. 9 that the team is “very comfortable” with Cousins as their backup quarterback in 2025, but skepticism remains among NFL analysts and fans alike.

Former sports agent and NFL contract expert Joel Corry is among those doubting the Falcons’ commitment to Cousins. On Jan. 17, Corry predicted the Falcons would release Cousins before March 16, 2025, when the team would owe him a $10 million bonus. “If Cousins is still on the Atlanta roster at 4 p.m. ET on March 16, he will receive his bonus,” Corry explained. “The Falcons have until then to either trade or release him to avoid paying it.”

Corry dismissed the idea of the Falcons keeping Cousins as a backup, calling it a “bluff.” He suggested that Fontenot’s public statements might be an attempt to increase Cousins’ trade value. “If Fontenot presents the possibility that Cousins won’t hit the open market, perhaps he can convince a team to send the Falcons a draft pick for the veteran quarterback,” Corry said.

The AJC‘s D. Orlando Ledbetter echoed this sentiment, using stronger language to describe Fontenot’s efforts. Cousins, who signed a 4-year, $180 million contract with $90 million guaranteed last offseason, struggled in the latter part of the 2024 season. He led the Falcons to a 7-7 record but threw a league-high 16 interceptions. In his final five games, Cousins posted a 62.7% completion percentage with just one touchdown and nine interceptions, while taking 11 sacks and averaging 7.5 yards per pass. The Falcons went 1-4 during that stretch.

Rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. replaced Cousins on Dec. 22, leading the team to a 1-2 record while showing promise as a passer and athlete. Cousins, who will turn 37 in August, has an 83-74-2 career record as a starter. His future with the Falcons remains uncertain as the team weighs its options ahead of the March deadline.

Meanwhile, speculation about Cousins’ potential landing spots continues. Bleacher Report‘s Kristopher Knox listed Cousins as the second-best player who could be traded this offseason, suggesting the New York Jets as a possible destination. “Kirk Cousins’ spot on this list may seem high, given his late-season struggles,” Knox said. “But considering his strong performance earlier in the season and potential injuries, he could be a valuable budget veteran quarterback.”

Whether the Falcons trade, release, or retain Cousins, the decision will have significant implications for the team’s 2025 season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the March 16 deadline approaches.