After the 2025 NFL Draft, quarterback Kirk Cousins remains a member of the Atlanta Falcons. Although the free agency period peaked in March, resulting in the Falcons signing or re-signing 23 players, Cousins still finds himself on the team’s roster. The Falcons, post-draft, have added five rookies.
Ian Rapoport from NFL Network discussed Cousins’ potential future on the “Pat McAfee Show,” stating, “The more this goes, I kind of think he’s going to be the Falcons backup.” This sentiment aligns with consistent messages from the Falcons’ leadership. Team owner Arthur Blank, general manager Terry Fontenot, and head coach Raheem Morris have all expressed comfort with Cousins backing up Michael Penix Jr. since the end of the 2024 season.
Fontenot confirmed this in January, saying, “He’s not the starter anymore, but we’re very comfortable moving forward with (Cousins) as a backup.” Further emphasized at the 2025 NFL Combine, he added, “Now that he’s the backup, when we say we’re comfortable, we’re talking about the total funds allocated to the quarterback position.”
At the Annual League Meeting on April 1, Morris commented, “We do know that he would like to start. We’re just telling you that we’re very comfortable with him being our backup.” Blank echoed this: “We’ve already paid him. So, yeah, I’m not sure what the question is.”
Despite Cousins’ desire for a starting position, and his no-trade clause, no imminent trade seems likely. Despite various NFL teams acquiring new quarterbacks through the draft and free agency, teams such as the Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New Orleans Saints appear to have made other plans.
The interaction with Morris revealed, “You take it day by day, you take it step by step.” At present, Cousins has attended the Falcons’ voluntary workouts, indicating he remains committed to the team for now. His upcoming participation in Organized Team Activities and mandatory minicamp will provide further insight into his role with the Falcons.
There is no urgency regarding this situation, and Atlanta appears to be maintaining flexibility with Cousins as the offseason unfolds.
