Kirk Cousins' Future Takes Shape as Falcons Restructure Contract
Atlanta's quarterback situation may be getting more complicated by the day, and it appears that 15-year veteran Kirk Cousins' future with the team is no longer a certainty. Following Sunday's win over the Saints, Cousins hinted at his potential departure in an interview, stating he'd "love to keep playing" but ultimately leaving the door open for his future plans.
New reports suggest that Cousins and the Falcons have agreed to restructure his contract guarantees, which could make it easier for the team to release him ahead of the free agency period. According to ESPN's Field Yates, there is now a $67.9 million guarantee in the amount that vests on March 13. Given the unlikely nature of any team wanting to take on this significant liability prior to that date, it's possible that Cousins' future could be decided sooner rather than later.
Cousins has been instrumental for the Falcons, starting all five games after quarterback Michael Penix Jr.'s season-ending ACL injury. The 1,291 yards, nine touchdowns, and four interceptions he accumulated in those games will likely make him a sought-after commodity as the offseason approaches.
While Cousins' return to his former team, the Minnesota Vikings, is a possibility, there are rumors that the Vikings may explore established options via trade or free agency to strengthen their quarterback room. The Vikings' coaching staff has already shown willingness to reevaluate the quarterback position following last season's so-so performance from J.J. McCarthy.
With Cousins' contract situation now more fluid than ever, it remains to be seen whether he'll return to the Falcons or seek new opportunities elsewhere. One thing is certain – his future will have significant implications for Atlanta's quarterback situation and the NFL as a whole.
Atlanta's quarterback situation may be getting more complicated by the day, and it appears that 15-year veteran Kirk Cousins' future with the team is no longer a certainty. Following Sunday's win over the Saints, Cousins hinted at his potential departure in an interview, stating he'd "love to keep playing" but ultimately leaving the door open for his future plans.
New reports suggest that Cousins and the Falcons have agreed to restructure his contract guarantees, which could make it easier for the team to release him ahead of the free agency period. According to ESPN's Field Yates, there is now a $67.9 million guarantee in the amount that vests on March 13. Given the unlikely nature of any team wanting to take on this significant liability prior to that date, it's possible that Cousins' future could be decided sooner rather than later.
Cousins has been instrumental for the Falcons, starting all five games after quarterback Michael Penix Jr.'s season-ending ACL injury. The 1,291 yards, nine touchdowns, and four interceptions he accumulated in those games will likely make him a sought-after commodity as the offseason approaches.
While Cousins' return to his former team, the Minnesota Vikings, is a possibility, there are rumors that the Vikings may explore established options via trade or free agency to strengthen their quarterback room. The Vikings' coaching staff has already shown willingness to reevaluate the quarterback position following last season's so-so performance from J.J. McCarthy.
With Cousins' contract situation now more fluid than ever, it remains to be seen whether he'll return to the Falcons or seek new opportunities elsewhere. One thing is certain – his future will have significant implications for Atlanta's quarterback situation and the NFL as a whole.
... like, I think it would be super weird if he just left the Falcons after being such a big part of their team 
... and at the same time, maybe, I mean, if the Vikings are looking for someone else to play QB, Cousins might actually wanna go back there too 
... and what if the Falcons just decide they don't need him anymore? 
But wait, wouldn't that be a huge mistake? 
... or maybe... I'm just getting all confused 
...
I'm thinking about how much stress this news must be causing Cousins. The thought of having a huge contract guarantee that can vest at any moment, it's like a weight on your shoulders. 
As someone who practices mindfulness, I think it's really important to focus on what we can control in the present moment, rather than worrying about the future.
And can we talk about how awesome Kirk is as a player? He's been doing some amazing work on the field and I think he deserves all the support 
so it feels like the team might be forced into making a decision sooner rather than later. and now there are rumors that the vikings are looking elsewhere for their QB situation too? 
.
. and let's be real, the falcons need to think about their future too, maybe it's time for them to start building around a younger QB 
.
. fingers crossed for some drama or at least some decent football 
And now the Vikings might be sniffing around, trying to get him back... I just don't know how this is gonna all shake out 
. The fact that they're restructuring his contract guarantees makes me think he might not be a sure thing for next season either 
. If the Vikings do explore other QB options, Cousins could be in high demand... but would he want to leave Atlanta? Only time will tell 
i feel like cousins is kinda stuck between a rock and a hard place - he wants to keep playing but the falcons need to make some tough decisions about their future 
$67.9 million guarantee? That's a big number! It feels like they're trying to tie themselves down to Cousins' performance without giving them any real freedom to succeed or fail. I mean, if he has a bad year, who's gonna pick up that kind of baggage? 
Not the Vikings, that's for sure... they might be smart and look elsewhere. And honestly, can't we just get some stability at QB for once? It feels like every team is playing a game of quarterback musical chairs 