While the Falcons could just cut their losses with Kirk Cousins and release him before the beginning of the new league year, there are other potential outcomes after he was benched in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. with the team fighting for a playoff spot.
According to NFL Network, the Falcons (7-7), who are one game behind the NFC South-leading Buccaneers, could end up keeping Cousins as a backup for 2025 since Penix will be on his rookie contract, allowing the team to better handle having such an expensive No. 2.
Keeping Cousins, 36, is not “off the table,” per the report.
Alternatively, Cousins could opt to retire after he bombed in the first season of a four-year, $180 million contract that included $90 million guaranteed at signing.
After tearing his Achilles last season, Cousins has thrown a career-high 16 interceptions through 14 games, along with 3,508 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Cousins is expected to take about a month to weigh his options after the season is over, the report said.
A trade is unlikely since Cousins has a no-trade clause and essentially no incentive to agree to a deal.
So if Cousins does wish to continue his NFL career, the Falcons most likely will just rip off the Band-Aid and cut Cousins before he’s due a $10 million roster bonus in March.
The Falcons announced Tuesday they were benching Cousins for Penix Jr. after a rough outing against the Raiders Monday night in a 15-9 win, which snapped a four-game skid for Atlanta.
Cousins went 11-for-17 with 112 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
Penix Jr. is making his first career start on Sunday against the Giants.
He made brief cameos during losses to the Seahawks and Broncos earlier this season.
The Falcons beat the Buccaneers twice this season and thus own the tiebreaker.
Tampa Bay visits the Cowboys Sunday night before finishing with two home games against the Panthers and Saints, while Atlanta hits the road to play the Commanders next Sunday night before finishing the season at home against the Panthers.