Atlanta Falcons make decision on future of quarterback Kirk Cousins
Kirk Cousins looks set to start the 2025 NFL season as backup quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, according to reports.
But the 36-year-old's wealth of experience means he will be 'the first call' - should another team's quarterback get hurt or should Aaron Rodgers decide to retire.
Cousins' future has been the subject of speculation ever since he was benched in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. towards the end of last season.
He had been linked with a move away from Atlanta and was recently spotted at Chipotle near the Cleveland Browns practice facility. Cousins has made it clear he wants to be a starter and reportedly pleaded with Falcons owner Arthur Blank to release him.
But both free agency and the draft have come and gone without Cousins finding a new home - or the Falcons bringing in another quarterback.
'As of right now, it certainly appears Kirk Cousins is set to be their backup quarterback for the 2025 season,' NFL insider Ian Rapoport said.
'Obviously if any team needs a quarterback with starting experience - that would also include the Pittsburgh Steelers if Aaron Rodgers doesn't go there - Cousins would be the first call.
'We're going to be talking about Kirk Cousins all the time this coming preseason, this actual season - every time a quarterback gets hurt, the Falcons are going to be like: "Hello! Look at the guy we got!"
'They could get a potential premium draft pick for a guy who's now their backup. All that conversation is for the future - as of right now, Cousins is at least set in Atlanta.'
The 36-year-old signed a $100million guaranteed contract last year, only for Atlanta to draft Penix Jr. No 8 overall just six weeks later. Cousins previously played for the Minnesota Vikings and the then-Washington Redskins.
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