Atlanta – The Atlanta Falcons began their voluntary organized team activities on Tuesday, but there was one notable absence: quarterback Kirk Cousins. Head coach Raheem Morris confirmed that he “did not see him today,” indicating Cousins’ absence from the workouts.
The Falcons had signed Cousins to a substantial four-year, $180 million contract in March 2024. However, things changed dramatically when the Falcons drafted Michael Penix Jr. as the eighth overall pick in the 2024 draft. Penix has since stepped into the starting role, leading many to think that this could be the new direction for the team.
Reflecting on Cousins’ absence, Coach Morris stated, “I’m not going to be foolish to think that he’s going to show up for voluntary work right now.” He went on to emphasize that the organization is in a serious “business-type mode” and they are prepared for the possibility that Cousins will not participate.
Despite Cousins not attending, the Falcons have not made any official moves to release him, and any trade would require his agreement due to a no-trade clause in his contract. There has been speculation about potential destinations for Cousins, with the Pittsburgh Steelers being mentioned as a possible option. However, any movement on this front may rest on the future decisions of other quarterbacks in the league.
The Falcons are gearing up for the upcoming season, and while there are many questions surrounding their quarterback situation, leadership remains focused on the bigger picture and how they move forward. As the situation develops, more updates are likely in the coming weeks.
