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When Kirk Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons in March, no one expected he would be benched before the end of his first season.
With Cousins benched due to poor play and rookie Michael Penix Jr., the Falcons are now expected to release the quarterback after the season as expected. ESPN’s Adam Schefter–
Cousins is owed a $10 million roster bonus on March 17, and according to reports, executives around the NFL expect Cousins to be released before then.
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Atlanta Falcons defenseman Kirk Cousins (18) takes the field before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at US Bank Stadium. (Jeffrey Becker-Imagn photo)
If the Falcons cut Cousins before March 17 and save $10 million, they would still be stuck with the majority of Cousins’ contract.
of Cousins’ $180 million contract and $100 million guaranteed if the Falcons cut Cousins before next season. They will eat up $65 million in locked-up money. Per Spotrac–
If he remains on Cousins’ roster next season, it will be $40 million. But cutting him would add another $25 million to Cousins’ salary cap fee for next season.
With rookie Penix Jr. slated to start in place of Cousins when the Falcons meet the New York Giants on Sunday, Cousins will be the most expensive bridge quarterback in NFL history.
Cousins still has a no-trade clause and according to reports he is not expected to waive his rights.
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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) throws the ball against the Las Vegas Raiders in the first half at Allegiant Stadium. (Kirby Lee-Imagn photo)
The 36-year-old quarterback was reportedly annoyed that the Falcons took the quarterback with the eighth pick in last season’s draft. By choosing Cousins’ eventual replacement instead of the player who can help them win right now.
Cousins’ frustration with the way things were handled led management to believe the quarterback would not help any team and waive his no-trade clause, according to reports.
Cousins will be in a similar situation this offseason as Russell Wilson was last offseason if he is indeed released.
Wilson was released by the Denver Broncos last offseason. But the team is still paying him $53 million this season, per Spottrack.
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Atlanta Falcons defenseman Kirk Cousins (18) passes for the Minnesota Vikings during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. (Jeffrey Becker-Imagn photo)
Wilson signed a one-year league minimum contract with the veteran league with the Pittsburgh Steelers, with the quarterback still being paid by the Broncos.
Cousins would be in a position to sign a league veteran with another team like Wilson. while still being paid by the Falcons not to play for them.
Through nine games, things have been swimming for Cousins and the Falcons. The team is 6-3 and atop the NFC South.
The team is now 7-7 after a four-game losing streak and dropped out of a playoff spot. The Falcons beat the Las Vegas Raiders 15-9 on Monday, ending their skid, but Cousins played poorly in the loss, forcing head coach Raheem Morris to make a substitution.
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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) warms up before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. (Image Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn)
Cousins has completed 66.9% of his passes, throwing for 3,508 yards and 18 touchdowns this season while also throwing a league-high 16 interceptions.
In addition to throwing 16 interceptions, Cousins also had 12, tied for most in the NFL with Baker Mayfield.
Over his last five games Cousins has just one touchdown to go along with nine interceptions.
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