The leading story for the Atlanta Falcons at the start of OTAs was the absence of quarterback Kirk Cousins. It was odd for the veteran not to be present after taking part in voluntary workouts earlier in the offseason. Still, it wasn't completely surprising with the quarterback making it consistently clear in the 2025 offseason that he no longer wants to be in Atlanta. A sentiment that isn't going to get the veteran very far after the Pittsburgh Steelers signed veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. There isn't a starting job remaining or a possible trade that is going to get Kirk Cousins out of Atlanta.
Rodgers signing with the Steelers completely changes what the future looks like for Cousins. Barring a surprise injury or the team growing frustrated with its current starting option, there isn't another viable team for the aging quarterback. The fact that the veteran has been so stubbornly attempting to force an exit from the Falcons speaks to a lack of awareness of where his career has fallen.
Kirk Cousins Owes the Falcons an Apology After a Rocky 2025 Offseason
Regardless of whether or not you believe the injury excuses Cousins offered after the 2024 season ended, the quarterback hasn't done himself any favors. There is a reason why no team was willing to trade for a heavy portion of Kirk's deal thus far in the 2025 offseason. Looking back at his performance, where the turnovers quickly piled up and simple throws died before ever reaching their targets.
Cousins appeared to have lost his fastball and all confidence as the Falcons and the quarterback faded down the stretch. This is a frustrating reality that the veteran seems unable to face as he attempts to play games to force his way to a new landing spot. It ignores just how awful the end of last season was, and how much blame the quarterback deserves for imploding Atlanta's season.
This isn't to suggest Cousins should be content as a backup or aiming to end his career in the role. Rather, it is pointing out the reality that the veteran simply lacks any other option at this point in the offseason. With Pittsburgh off the board, it does appear a trade is now impossible, and the Falcons are going to be content using Cousins as the team's backup.
With this in mind, the veteran would be wise to embrace his role after earning his way to the bench in 2024. Whether it is a surprise injury in the 2025 season or more likely the Falcons cutting the veteran after a strong season from Penix, the veteran will have his chance to continue his career. For now, however, Cousins must realize the corner he has backed himself into and understand there simply isn't any other choice.