The Kirk Cousins Era is unofficially over in Atlanta, as the team benched their $180 million investment after just 14 starts. Giving the keys to 2024 first-round pick Michael Penix, Cousins will spend the remainder of the year on the sidelines but will almost certainly suit up with a new organization in 2025. Unfortunately for the Falcons, getting rid of Cousins won’t come easy. The quarterback carries a no-trade clause in his contract, which means he likely won’t approve any deal that results in a pay cut.
Nobody will trade for Cousins on his current contract, and Cousins will never accept a revised deal. This means the Falcons will have to cut him with a post-June 1st designation, allowing the team to split his $65 million dead cap hit over the 2025 and 2026 seasons. This will leave Cousins with the opportunity to sign for the veteran minimum without losing a single penny, similar to what Russell Wilson did with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Cousins isn’t anyone’s idea of a franchise quarterback, but the following four teams could take a low-risk wager on him next year.
Some have suggested the #Falcons might keep Kirk Cousins if he refuses to cooperate on a trade. Here’s the catch: Cousins has an additional $10M that becomes fully guaranteed on March 16, 2025, on top of the $90M he’s already getting.
Given the sour ending with his benching and… https://t.co/MemQHvoyBw
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 18, 2024
Kirk Cousins Benched By Falcons – 5 Teams That Could Sign Him in 2025
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns need a new quarterback, but they don’t have the money to get one. Deshaun Watson’s absurd contract ensures he’ll be on the roster next year, but that doesn’t mean he’ll start. As of this posting, the Browns hold the seventh-overall pick and probably won’t be able to draft someone like Shedeur Sanders without trading up. Seeing as the team already lacks depth throughout the roster, giving up multiple draft picks for a prospect in a weak quarterback class might not be the best strategy. Kirk Cousins might be washed, but even a broken-down version of the quarterback should be better than Watson.
Tennessee Titans
Will Levis and his wildly unpredictable style of quarterbacking probably won’t be back in 2025. Head coach Brian Callahan benched him for Mason Rudolph, and Cousins could be a short-term bridge option in 2025 while Tennessee looks for their next answer under center. Just like Cleveland, the Titans aren’t currently in a position to leapfrog the Las Vegas Raiders or New York Giants for a quarterback, so they might have to settle for a cost-effective veteran like Cousins.
Indianapolis Colts
Anthony Richardson is still starting for the Indianapolis Colts, but that probably won’t be the case in 2025. Head coach Shane Steichen benched the quarterback earlier in the year and could turn to Kirk Cousins as a full-time replacement in 2025. While Joe Flacco wasn’t good enough to get the job done, perhaps Cousins can provide enough veteran leadership and stable play to guide this otherwise talented team to the postseason.
Pittsburgh Steelers
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The Pittsburgh Steelers bought low on Russell Wilson and reaped the reward of their wager. While the one-time Super Bowl champion isn’t matching his Seahawks level of play, he’s played well enough to guide this team to a 10-4 record and the top spot in the AFC North. Set to hit free agency at the end of the season, the quarterback could leave for greener pastures at the end of the season. If this happens, don’t be surprised if Mike Tomlin turns to Cousins and banks on his arm strength improving over one year after his original Achilles injury.
New York Jets
The Jets gambled and lost betting on Aaron Rodgers, but their current situation means they don’t have a clear path to a younger, cheaper player. If Rodgers decides to call it a career at the end of the season, New York must once again look for a veteran to start, at least in the short term. Kirk Cousins couldn’t make it work in Atlanta, but the benched starter might salvage his career with reliable targets in Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall, and potentially Davante Adams.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports
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