Last year, the Atlanta Falcons gave Kirk Cousins a massive contract, but now he’s on the verge of leaving the team. A year later, the Seattle Seahawks appear to have learned from the NFC South team’s mistake and managed to do with Sam Darnold what Atlanta couldn’t with Cousins.
Prior to the 2024 NFL Draft, the Falcons signed free agent Kirk Cousins. They offered him a $180 million deal to make him their starting quarterback for the next four years—or at least that’s what he believed.
Just weeks after his arrival, however, the Falcons used their 1st-round pick in the 2024 Draft to select quarterback Michael Penix Jr. The move didn’t sit well with Cousins, who is now reportedly considering an exit from the team after just one season.
Seahawks did with Sam Darnold what the Falcons failed to do with Kirk Cousins
The Seahawks will look very different in the 2025 NFL season. Initially, the team was expected to keep Geno Smith, but they ultimately decided to move on and find a new option under center.
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Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings chose not to re-sign Sam Darnold. He later joined the Seahawks as the veteran quarterback they were searching for, though the team made it clear that their long-term future could involve someone else.
In the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Seattle selected Jalen Milroe. The Alabama standout is considered a promising prospect who could eventually take over as the team’s starter.
However, unlike what happened in Atlanta, Darnold was not blindsided by this decision. According to Seahawks GM John Schneider, head coach Mike Macdonald informed Darnold ahead of time that the team planned to draft a quarterback—something the Falcons failed to do with Cousins.
Kirk Cousins may not continue with the Falcons in 2025
Thanks to the heads-up, Darnold welcomed the competition. On the other hand, the Falcons reportedly promised Cousins they wouldn’t draft a quarterback, only to select Penix Jr., which sparked frustration in the veteran.
Will Kirk Cousins leave the Falcons this year?
The situation with Kirk Cousins is now complicated for the Falcons. The team is expected to start Michael Penix Jr. in 2025, leaving Cousins in a backup role.
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However, having a $180 million backup is clearly not part of the long-term plan. That’s why Atlanta is reportedly hoping Cousins will waive his no-trade clause so they can move him to another team this offseason.
SurveyDid the Falcons make a mistake with Kirk Cousins?
Did the Falcons make a mistake with Kirk Cousins?
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