Falcons Reportedly Facing Sobering Kirk Cousins Reality After Draft

Oct 27, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) is brought down by Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Josh Hayes (32) in the fourth quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Oct 27, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) is brought down by Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Josh Hayes (32) in the fourth quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Huge news this offseason for the Atlanta Falcons has been around whether Kirk Cousins will be on the team or not. There were countless rumors floating around teams that would look to trade for him, but nothing has taken place.

The 2025 NFL Draft also gave teams another avenue to add to their quarterback room and they took advantage. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport was a guest on the "Pat McAfee Show" on Monday and talked about potential Cousins landing spots, and that update won't make fans happy.

Rapoport reported that the Pittsburgh Steelers would be a spot if Aaron Rodgers doesn't sign with them but if he does join them, it's likely Cousins is back in Atlanta in 2025 as the backup to Michael Penix Jr.

Ian Rapoport Thinks Kirk Cousins in Back in Atlanta for 2025

Rapoport added that the Cleveland Browns were a spot prior to the draft, but considering they took both Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, the odds that Cousins lands there and basically nonexistent.

The Minnesota Vikings were also named as a potential destination but they traded for Sam Howell to be the backup. And when you look around the league, there aren't many landing spots, which is why returning to the Falcons is a real possibility.

Over the course of the offseason, Atlanta has made it clear they are open to having Cousins return as a backup, but they might not have a choice.

It was just one year ago when Cousins and Atlanta agreed to a four-year, $180 million deal that featured $100 million guaranteed and a $50 million signing bonus. Things just fell off a cliff last season, leading to Penix Jr. taking over and being the guy for the future.

Cousins is on the books for $40 million in 2025, and it's really looking like the Falcons will have to eat that number with no real takers stepping forward.

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