Looking at the Atlanta Falcons roster, it is still somewhat of a surprise that the team is moving forward with Kirk Cousins. There is a small chance that a front office group that brings a unique approach is simply refusing to have its bluff called. From the start of the offseason, the league believed it was only a matter of time until Kirk Cousins was released. This made sense when you think about removing potential distractions.
Cousins demands headlines, and any stumbles or struggles from Michael Penix Jr. are sure to invite an outside quarterback debate. However, Atlanta appears to be so wildly confident in the quarterback that they are comfortable with having both Cousins and Penix on the roster. The counter to this would be that Cousins was a failed trade chip the Falcons are now stuck with. This opens up the opportunity that a surprise release could be around the corner.
Falcons Releasing Kirk Cousins Can't Be Ruled Out
It is well established that this is the path Kirk Cousins would like the franchise to take. Despite it being far too late for the veteran to find a starting role, there has to be a better chance of Cousins starting again outside Atlanta. Aware of this, the Falcons appear to prefer to keep the veteran hostage as an ultra-expensive fallback option. In some ways, this is understandable when you consider the franchise is stuck paying the quarterback.
If you cannot escape the deal, you might as well earn what little benefit is left. The opposite side of this argument is that sooner than later, you're going to need to swallow the cap hit and remove the distraction. Cutting the quarterback now would allow you to sign Carson Wentz or one of the few viable backup options remaining on the market. It allows Cousins a chance to fight for a job elsewhere and removes the distraction.
While this is a notable possibility, it does appear the Falcons are going to remain content, hoping for an impossible trade or having Cousins hold a clipboard. A well-earned demotion for a player who cost Atlanta its 2024 season.