Kirk Cousins shows up for offseason program amid trade speculation
- Kirk Cousins attended the Atlanta Falcons' voluntary offseason program, surprising some observers.
- Despite trade speculations, the Falcons are comfortable keeping Cousins as a backup for the 2025 season.
- Cousins' presence indicates the team's intention to maintain him while exploring potential trades during the NFL Draft.
In Atlanta, the status of quarterback Kirk Cousins has become a focal point for the Falcons as they prepare for the NFL Draft. Reportedly, Cousins surprised some by attending the first day of the voluntary offseason program, even though the Falcons have been in discussions about his future with the team. Last season, he was benched late in the year following a series of poor performances, which led to the rookie Michael Penix Jr. taking over as the starting quarterback. Consequently, Cousins' participation in offseason activities has raised questions about whether he will remain with the Falcons as their backup quarterback. Following a rough end to the previous season, the Falcons have been open about their willingness to listen to trade offers for Cousins. Despite ongoing speculation regarding a potential cut or trade, General Manager Terry Fontenot expressed confidence in Cousins’ abilities as a reliable backup, capable of supporting Penix. Coach Raheem Morris echoed this sentiment, clarifying that the team has not only retained Cousins but considers him valuable for the upcoming season. He noted that Cousins has indicated a desire to start elsewhere, and the Falcons won't hinder that opportunity should it arise. Cousins' contract, signed last March, included a substantial financial guarantee, potentially complicating any trade discussions. Analysts have suggested that any team looking to acquire him would have to shoulder a significant portion of his contract, which has made discussions less fruitful thus far. Fontenot has denied claims about the Falcons enforcing a specific financial burden on teams looking to trade for Cousins, and instead has reiterated there are no predetermined numbers or terms for a possible deal. As the NFL Draft approaches, the Falcons hope to bolster their roster and have been considering options to trade Cousins in pursuit of help in other areas, particularly on the defensive side. The ongoing negotiations could impact the Falcons' draft strategy, especially given that they currently hold just five picks, including the 15th overall selection.