Another day, and another headline surrounding Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins. The veteran still hasn't shown up for OTAs, it appears, and is taking an odd stance after showing up for voluntary team activities. Opting to take part when it wasn't required is a funny message to send for a quarterback who doesn't have a leg to stand on. Cousins owes the Falcons organization an apology after his awful 2024 implosion, and he proceeded to throw the team under the bus.
After weeks of denying that an injury was to blame for his 2024 downfall, the quarterback came out and blamed injuries after the Atlanta season had ended. It was a poor reflection on the Falcon training staff and the team's head coach. Considering how Raheem Morris fought for the veteran, it was the death sentence on public opinion when it comes to Kirk's standing within the Atlanta fan base. All of this is leading to Cousins failing to show up for OTAs with zero leverage.
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It appears that the Pittsburgh Steelers being rejected by Aaron Rodgers is Kirk's only remaining hope of a deal getting done. Otherwise, the quarterback should be content to come to work with the understanding that he has earned this demotion. From the on-field play in the 2024 season to the way he has handled the media, it is an earned demotion.
Holding out isn't going to alter a regrettable contract or create a job out of thin air. Atlanta needs to make it clear to the veteran that he can either retire, accept the backup role, rework the contract, or be fined heavily for failing to show up. The organization doesn't owe the veteran anything and shouldn't pay Cousins to play elsewhere. Continuing to wait things out and hoping for improvement is the right decision for both sides.
Signing Cousins and drafting Michael Penix Jr. was always destined to end this way. However, the Falcons aren't responsible for the quarterback's implosion or poor media handling in the aftermath. Failing to show up can be added to a long list of reasons Falcons fans already have to be completely over the Kirk Cousins experience.