Kirk Cousins faces uncertainty after disappointing season with Falcons
- Kirk Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons in March 2024.
- The Falcons drafted quarterback Michael Penix Jr. No. 8 overall shortly after signing Cousins, raising speculation about his future.
- With a subpar season and upcoming games critical for his future, Cousins may face trade considerations if performance does not improve.
In March 2024, Falcoms quarterback Kirk Cousins signed a lucrative four-year contract worth $180 million with $100 million guaranteed. Despite this significant investment, Cousins' tenure with the team has not progressed as the organization hoped. Following the signing the team disrupted its own plans by selecting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. as the eighth overall pick in the NFL Draft. This decision raised eyebrows among fans and analysts, indicating a potential shift in the team's future direction. After the draft, the Falcons' performance throughout the season has severely impacted their playoff chances, with a current record of 6-5. ESPN reporters Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler have speculated that Cousins could be traded at the end of the season if the team's performance does not improve in the upcoming six games. If the Falcons decide to move on from Cousins, he may prefer to join a team that is contending for a playoff position, potentially ruling out teams like the Giants and Raiders, which are in dire need of quarterback prospects. Although Cousins has shown some effective play this season, his struggles have been apparent, especially since he has thrown nine interceptions, a statistic that ranks among the highest in the league. Additionally, he has not thrown any touchdown passes in the past two games, both resulting in losses for the Falcons. The team will look to reverse its current trend following a bye week as they prepare to face the Chargers, but the upcoming games hold significant ramifications regarding Cousins' future in Atlanta and possibly beyond.