The Atlanta Falcons and Kirk Cousins will reportedly part ways after the season, according to a report from Adam Schefter.
The 36-year-old quarterback is expected to be cut before March 17, which is when he is due a $10 million roster bonus.
Head coach Raheem Morris announced this week that rookie Michael Penix Jr. would take over at quarterback for the rest of the season.
In the meantime, the veteran quarterback has some options on what he plans to do.
Kirk Cousins, who signed a four-year, $180 million deal in the offseason to join the Falcons after six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, could very well retire from the NFL, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
𝗥𝗨𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗦: #Falcons QB Kirk Cousins will take some time completely away from football in the offseason to decide what he wants to do for the future, per @RapSheet
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) December 22, 2024
He could potentially retire, but he’d be leaving a lot of money on the table. He’s also earned nearly $300… pic.twitter.com/imlpvcgumC
Should he retire, he would be leaving a ton of money on the table.
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Even if he did, Cousins has earned nearly $300 million dollars in his career.
With Cousins being benched for poor play and rookie Michael Penix Jr. taking his place, his one and only season with the Falcons has come to an end unless an injury takes place.
Even then, the team is unlikely to play him to ensure he does not get injured and wouldn’t be able to pass his physical.
If the Falcons do cut Kirk Cousins before March 17 and save $10 million, they are still on the hook for most of Cousins’ contract.
His cap hit for next season would have been $40 million if he were still on the roster. However, cutting him would add another $25 million to Cousins’ cap charge for the 2025 season.
Kirk Cousins Made History In His NFL Career
In 2018, Kirk Cousins signed with the Vikings on a fully guaranteed three-year contract worth $84 million.
This was historic since it was the first fully guaranteed in league history.
His career might be winding down, but he will forever be remembered for that deal.
