The Atlanta Falcons no longer have any quarterback debate, with Kirk Cousins clearing up trade rumors in the first days of minicamp. The veteran made it clear that he was with the organization for the 2025 season and focused on doing everything possible to help Michael Penix Jr. reach his full potential. This seemingly ends a tiring offseason saga that was centered around the veteran's landing spot and whether or not things were going to be salvaged after the veteran's demotion.
Cousins signaling that all is well is both a product of the quarterback's personality and evidence that there simply is no other option. However, this does create an interesting debate for who will hold Atlanta's final spot at the position. Penix and Cousins are locked in at the first two spots in the depth chart, leaving room to wonder if it will be Easton Stick or Emory Jones claiming the final roster spot at the position.
The Falcons Will Likely Cut Career Backup QB Emory Jones
Atlanta's move to sign Stick was likely some level of insurance in case a surprise trade for Cousins presented itself. When this didn't materialize, the franchise now has additional depth and will have to choose between the recent signing and Jones. It isn't a mystery with Stick offering more experience and having taken NFL snaps while Jones remains a project piece who hasn't proven himself capable of being relied on at this level.
With this in mind, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Falcons cut the quarterback at some point in the next weeks of the season. Looking to create an additional roster spot for another position of need. Cousins and Stick can handle taking preseason snaps if the team prefers to avoid putting Penix in harm's way.
Even if the team wants to keep Cousins out of the line of fire, there are a handful of quarterbacks still on the market with far higher upside than Jones. The point remains that the team would be wise to part ways with the signal caller now that the Cousins debate has been settled. There simply isn't room for Atlanta to continue carrying all four options.