NFL News: Kirk Cousins has made a decision about Falcons after Aaron Rodgers signed with Steelers, but there’s a catch

Kirk Cousins is looking for a future in the NFL. The Atlanta Falcons are expecting him back for the start of the mandatory minicamp on Tuesday. Michael Penix Jr. is now the QB1 of the team so Cousins needs to leave. Rumors floated about him going to the Pittsburgh Steelers, however, Aaron Rodgers arrived there so that place is not available anymore.

But if he is not playing for the Falcons, then why is the team waiting for him to show up? As Dianna Russini from The Athletic reported, since Cousins is under contract, he would be fined by the team if he no-shows at the mandatory minicamp.

The Falcons did a bizarre thing in 2024 where they signed Kirk to a four-year deal. Given that this season Cousins is guaranteed $27.5 million, everyone in the NFL thought Atlanta was going to stick with the former Vikings QB. However, just weeks later, it drafted Michael Penix Jr. with a first round pick, immediately causing controversy.

Michael Penix Jr. won the battle

Not only is it more exciting to have a rookie under center, but it is way cheaper. Not only that, but Kirk Cousins is not going to light the NFL up with his play. His contract is way too big for such a low ceiling.

Michael Penix Jr. #9 of the Atlanta Falcons looks to pass the ball against the New York Giants during the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 22, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Cousins didn’t deliver. He played 14 games last season and amassed a 7-7 record, leaving the Falcons in a dire situation in their playoff push. Seeing that the postseason was dipping away, HC Raheem Morris opted to give his rookie QB some pressure-free mileage.

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Penix Jr. played the last three games, and the Falcons went 1-2 in that span. However, he showed positive glances and was enough for the franchise to start looking for places to ship Cousins. In the end, you’d rather stay with a 24-year old on a rookie contract than a 36-year old with a massive salary that can’t get you far.

Who wants Cousins?

Let’s just say there was a time were we all thought the same. “How does Cousins always have massive contracts?” While he still has one, it seems no one is wanting to give him a chance at that price tag. The magic is off. With a plethora of new, younger QBs entering the league and lots of new, cheaper bridge quarterbacks, Cousins is at an awful limbo.

No franchise is willing to pay him that much. No team is going to prefer getting Cousins over developing a younger QB project. And if you’re seeking a playoff push, there’s a decade-long proven record of Cousins falling short of it. Even the Steelers preferred Aaron Rodgers than having Kirk. Plus, Rodgers is way cheaper. Anywhere Cousins end, it’s most likely that his contract will be reestructured.