2 months, 3 weeks ago

Kirk Cousins has left the building. What’s next for him and the Falcons?

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Kirk Cousins finished his 2024 season without making any public comments about what his future might be with the Atlanta Falcons. “Kirk left today, gave me a hug and said he’d talk to me soon,” head coach Raheem Morris said Monday afternoon. You just kind of keep going one day at a time, someday look back and have a little bit better ability to tell the story.” Cousins signed a four-year contract in March that guaranteed him $90 million and had a total potential value of $180 million, making it the highest total-value free-agency deal in NFL history. GO DEEPER It's soul-searching time for the Falcons as their playoff drive ends with a thud The Falcons have floated the idea behind the scenes that they could keep both Cousins and Penix during the 2025 season because Penix’s rookie contract gives them financial flexibility, but that would require Cousins to accept a backup role. “He’s one of those guys that’s going to play in this league and absolutely dominate as long as we allow him.” Penix received a four-year, $22.8 million deal as the No.

Season Nfl Million Falcons Cousins Morris Kirk Penix nfl hit penix falcons million 2025 cousins kirk whats thats season left building cap

History of this topic

1 week, 2 days ago

Burrow, Cousins and Goff will be featured on 2nd season of Netflix’s ‘Quarterback’ series

Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow, Atlanta’s Kirk Cousins and Detroit’s Jared Goff will be featured on the second season of Netflix’s “Quarterback” series. “Quarterback” debuted in 2023 and was one of Netflix’s top-streamed series. Last year, NFL Films, Omaha Productions and 2PM Productions had the series “Receiver,” following five wide receivers and quarterbacks throughout the 2023 season. Cousins — …

3 weeks ago

Jaguars agree to trade receiver Christian Kirk to the Texans for a 2026 pick, AP source says

Associated Press

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Jaguars found a trade partner — a division rival, no less — for receiver Christian Kirk before officially releasing him. The Jaguars agreed to trade Kirk to AFC South opponent Houston on Thursday for a seventh-round draft pick in 2026, a person familiar with the move said. “Kirk to Houston can’t be real,” Jaguars defensive …

3 weeks, 3 days ago

What I heard about the Falcons at the NFL combine: Lots of Kirk Cousins, Kyle Pitts talk

New York Times

INDIANAPOLIS — The NFL’s offseason officially kicked off last week at the NFL combine, where head coaches and team executives gathered ostensibly to evaluate draft-eligible prospects. Here’s what I heard about the Falcons during my week in town: Almost nobody believes the Falcons about Cousins General manager Terry Fontenot and coach Raheem Morris continued to push the narrative that they’d …

1 month ago

Falcons say Kirk Cousins will be backup QB if he returns for 2025 season

New York Times

INDIANAPOLIS — Atlanta Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot and coach Raheem Morris sidestepped questions about Kirk Cousins’ health on Tuesday, but they made one thing clear — Cousins won’t be competing for the starting job if he does return to the Falcons for the upcoming season. “Michael Penix is our quarterback, and Michael Penix will continue to be our quarterback,” …

2 months, 2 weeks ago

Falcons GM Fontenot insists team is ‘very comfortable’ with keeping QB Cousins as a backup to Penix

Associated Press

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Atlanta Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot said Thursday the team is “very comfortable” with keeping Kirk Cousins on the roster next season as the backup quarterback behind Michael Penix Jr. Cousins was signed to a four-year, $180 million contract last offseason with $100 million guaranteed but was benched as Penix started the final three games of …

3 months ago

Falcons drafting Penix no longer a head-scratcher with rookie QB shining in place of benched Cousins

Associated Press

The Atlanta Falcons drafting of Michael Penix Jr. just six weeks after signing Kirk Cousins to a $180 million contract doesn’t seem like that much of a head-scratcher anymore. Penix made the move pay off with a solid first NFL start in the Falcons’ 34-7 rout of the New York Giants on Sunday that bolstered Atlanta’s playoff hopes, and the …

3 months ago

NFL QB stock report, Week 17: What’s next for Kirk Cousins if Michael Penix Jr. thrives?

New York Times

Michael Penix Jr. validated the Falcons’ bold decision to reshuffle the quarterback depth chart with a solid starting debut Sunday in a 34-7 victory against the Giants, potentially clearing the way for Kirk Cousins’ offseason exit. And because Cousins’ contract has offset language, meaning the Falcons would have to pay the balance of his 2025 guaranteed money if Cousins were …

3 months, 1 week ago

What’s next for Kirk Cousins? How the Falcons could move on and where the QB would fit best

New York Times

Kirk Cousins appeared to be back in peak form as the NFL calendar turned to October. Aaron Rodgers said he thinks Kirk Cousins will be better next year since he’ll be further away from his Achilles injury and feels he has a lot of good years left in him. Whatever the case, Cousins’ relationship with Stefanski could help him trust …

3 months, 1 week ago

Why the Falcons benched Kirk Cousins and what they expect from Michael Penix Jr.

New York Times

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Atlanta Falcons rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. was excited Tuesday night when head coach Raheem Morris told him he’d be starting his first NFL game this week. I’m going to be ready.” GO DEEPER Falcons bench Kirk Cousins for rookie Michael Penix Jr. amid struggles Atlanta’s No. “Anytime you take a step down, a demotion, it’s …

3 months, 1 week ago

Falcons name rookie Michael Penix Jr. as starting QB, benching veteran Kirk Cousins

Associated Press

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons are turning to rookie Michael Penix Jr. as their starting quarterback and benching veteran Kirk Cousins as they fight for their first playoff berth since 2017. “After review we have made the decision Michael Penix Jr. will be the Atlanta Falcons’ starting quarterback moving forward,” Morris said. “There’s a lot of room for improvement and …

3 months, 1 week ago

Kirk Cousins acknowledges he must play better if Atlanta Falcons are to make a playoff push

Associated Press

LAS VEGAS — If the Atlanta Falcons are going to make a playoff push, coach Raheem Morris and quarterback Kirk Cousins both know the 13-year veteran needs to improve his performance over the last three games of the season. “He’s got to play better,” Morris said after the Falcons escaped Monday night with a 15-9 road win over the lowly …

3 months, 1 week ago

Falcons bench QB Kirk Cousins for rookie Michael Penix Jr. amid struggles

New York Times

The Atlanta Falcons are making the move they clearly did not want to make – replacing veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins with rookie Michael Penix Jr. starting immediately. “You can look at organizations that have put young guys out there too early, and it’s gone terrible and I don’t want to be that guy,” Morris said last week. “I do know …

3 months, 2 weeks ago

The Falcons are sticking with Kirk Cousins and may get a break thanks to a soft schedule

Associated Press

ATLANTA — Even when grappling with a four-game losing streak and the uncertainty generated by quarterback Kirk Cousins’ eight interceptions and no touchdown passes in that span, there is some solace for the Atlanta Falcons. “We’re right in this thing,” right guard Chris Lindstrom said Monday before acknowledging he is “obviously not happy or satisfied with where we’re at.” Lindstrom …

3 months, 2 weeks ago

Falcons’ problems go beyond Kirk Cousins as they lose fourth in a row, division lead

New York Times

MINNEAPOLIS — It was tempting Sunday, especially in this building against this team, to say the Atlanta Falcons have a Kirk Cousins Problem, but that’s inaccurate. “Ain’t nobody coming to save us,” Falcons safety Jessie Bates III said. “Hasn’t been our best suit all year long,” said wide receiver Darnell Mooney, who had six catches for a career-high 142 yards. …

3 months, 3 weeks ago

Falcons visit Vikings as a struggling Cousins returns to old home to find a thriving Darnold

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — The plan for the Minnesota Vikings was to bring in Sam Darnold as the bridge between Kirk Cousins and J.J. McCarthy, confident his strong arm and starting experience would sufficiently run a high-caliber offense until the rookie was deemed ready to play. I know with the outside narrative on him and his path and everything, you might not …

4 months, 3 weeks ago

Kirk Cousins' Comeback in Atlanta: A Turning Point for the Falcons

Associated Press

Kirk Cousins leads a massive turnaround in Atlanta, now he’s got to finish strong. The Falcons (6-3) have a firm grasp on first place in the NFC South, putting them in a strong position to make the playoffs for the first time since the 2017 season. Cousins is a big reason for the renaissance, showing he was very much worth …

5 months ago

Kirk Cousins puts Falcons in NFC South driver’s seat, but they have work to do

New York Times

TAMPA, Fla. — Atlanta Falcons coach Raheem Morris has been telling his team for weeks he wanted it to “Outrun the South.” Watching Kirk Cousins scoot down the field for 13 yards in the fourth quarter against Tampa Bay on Sunday is not how he imagined it happening, but he’ll take it. Cousins continued to show off his fancy feet …

6 months, 1 week ago

Cousins suddenly looks like a $180 million QB leading Falcons’ shocker in Philly

Associated Press

ATLANTA — With a year of high hopes on the cusp of a 0-2 start, Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons suddenly found their mojo. “We go around saying it all the time, but when players actually go out and execute it and do it, it’s something that just creates this energy for those guys to be able to get …

6 months, 1 week ago

Kirk Cousins’ stunning game-winning drive shows why the Falcons paid him

New York Times

PHILADELPHIA — Kirk Cousins didn’t want to say it, but Jessie Bates III finally admitted it. The Atlanta Falcons upset the Philadelphia Eagles 22-21 at Lincoln Financial Field on “Monday Night Football” on the backs of their most expensive free-agent acquisitions from the last two offseasons. That’s the way this league is so when you can find those inches, it …

6 months, 2 weeks ago

Behind Kirk Cousins’ ‘disappointing’ performance, Falcons looked like same ol’ team in Week 1

New York Times

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons hired a new head coach, gave out the largest free-agency contract in NFL history and acquired two Pro Bowl defenders in the offseason. You can’t be surprised in the National Football League,” Falcons coach Raheem Morris said. Basically, that’s the story of the game.” GO DEEPER 5 takeaways from Steelers' win over Falcons Cousins finished …

6 months, 3 weeks ago

Falcons and Steelers head into 2024 looking to put QB issues in the rearview mirror

Associated Press

ATLANTA — Two teams that have struggled to fill the most important position on the field are taking another crack at settling their quarterback dilemmas. It’ll start on Sunday.” The Steelers blew up their offense in the offseason, signing Wilson after his two forgettable seasons in Denver and trading for Fields after the Bears decided they were going to take …

6 months, 3 weeks ago

Kirk Cousins era begins in Atlanta. Steelers start anew with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields

Associated Press

Pittsburgh at Atlanta Sunday, 1 p.m. EDT, Fox. The Steelers are hopeful that first-round pick RT Troy Fautanu, CB Cory Trice and WR Roman Wilson will be able to suit up against the Falcons.. RB Jaylen Warren was able to practice this week.. For the Falcons, TE Kyle Pitts and LB Nate Landman have been limited in practice.. Atlanta sustained …

8 months ago

Falcons offensive line knows protecting Cousins is vital to team’s hopes for a winning season

Associated Press

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Atlanta Falcons left guard Matthew Bergeron doesn’t have to be reminded that protecting the quarterback will be more important than ever with Kirk Cousins taking snaps. “Let’s be honest, he’s kind of old as well,” Bergeron said after Friday’s second practice of training camp. And also everybody appreciates Kirk.. You want to avoid any type of …

10 months, 1 week ago

Atlanta Falcons 2024 schedule: Arthur Smith’s return kicks off challenging September

New York Times

Who were the biggest winners and losers of the NFL schedule release? The wife of new Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins spent the first part of the month just like every other NFL fan — anxiously awaiting the league’s release of its full schedule. After opening against a Steelers team with the world’s most motivated offensive coordinator, the Falcons play at …

10 months, 2 weeks ago

Cousins shrugs off drafting of Penix, says he’s ready to make it work for the Falcons

Associated Press

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Kirk Cousins shrugged off any hard feelings Tuesday over the Atlanta Falcons drafting Michael Penix Jr., insisting he’s ready to compete and doesn’t think there will be any issues in the quarterback room. That dynamic has always been there and will always be there.” Even though he’s yet to play a game for the Falcons, Cousins …

11 months ago

Dave Portnoy brands Atlanta Falcons 'IDIOTS' for picking quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in 2024 NFL Draft - weeks after signing Kirk Cousins on $180m, four-year deal

Daily Mail

Dave Portnoy has torn into the Atlanta Falcons for drafting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. just weeks after signing Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180million contract. Cousins, 35, was said to be 'a bit stunned' by the move, according to The Athletic as the Falcons selected a direct rival for his place with the eighth pick of the night. The Falcons …

11 months ago

Kirk Cousins was 'stunned' to see Falcons pick Michael Penix Jr. eighth overall at 2024 NFL Draft a month after Atlanta signed the 35-year-old QB to a four-year, $180million deal

Daily Mail

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins was 'a bit stunned' to see the team take fellow signal caller Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth pick of the NFL Draft, according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini. The Falcons extended their recent trend of selecting offensive skill players in the first round by drafting Penix one month after signing Cousins to a four-year, …

11 months ago

Falcons’ draft won’t be impacted by NFL’s investigation of possible tampering violation with Cousins

Associated Press

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The NFL’s investigation of the Atlanta Falcons’ possible violation of tampering policies before signing quarterback Kirk Cousins won’t conclude before this week’s NFL draft. For Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot, that means the team won’t lose any draft picks this year as he looks to build around Cousins. The Falcons signed Cousins, the former Minnesota quarterback, …

1 year ago

Kirk Cousins looks to build his postseason legacy with the Falcons

Associated Press

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Kirk Cousins has a single playoff victory in his long career. “When the owner, general manager, head coach and quarterback are on the same page, that’s when you really have a chance to go win a Super Bowl,” Cousins said at the team’s suburban training facility. That’s exciting for me and why I’m thrilled to be …

1 year ago

NFL Mock Draft: How will Kirk Cousins’ signing with Falcons impact top 11 picks?

New York Times

Our final pre-free-agency NFL Mock Draft dropped Monday morning. With the Falcons and Cousins’ former team, the Minnesota Vikings, at the heart of plenty of quarterback draft conversations, how might that move affect the top of Round 1 in April? 11 spot — could play out: The Falcons’ addition of Cousins means Chicago will have to find someone else who …

1 year ago

Cousins leaves Vikings for big new contract with Falcons in QB's latest well-timed trip to market

The Independent

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. New coach Raheem Morris and offensive coordinator Zac Robinson …

1 year ago

Cousins leaves Vikings for big new contract with Falcons in QB’s latest well-timed trip to market

Associated Press

Kirk Cousins is leaving Minnesota for Atlanta, landing another big contract with a well-timed foray into free agency. Cousins agreed Monday to a four-year, $180 million deal with $100 million guaranteed with the Falcons, according to a person with knowledge of the terms, speaking on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press because the deal can’t be signed until Wednesday …

1 year ago

Atlanta Falcons hand Kirk Cousins a four-year, $180m deal after agreeing to sign outgoing Minnesota Vikings star... with QB guaranteed $100m

Daily Mail

The 35-year-old quarterback will reportedly be given a $100million guarantee Kirk Cousins has agreed a four-year, $180million deal to join the Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta is building a new-look offense, which will be headed by Cousins and also contains Bijan Robinson, Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts. Kirk Cousins has agreed a four-year, $180million deal to join the Atlanta Falcons …

1 year ago

Kirk Cousins 'WILL hit free agency' with the Minnesota Vikings quarterback 'set to begin discussions with the Atlanta Falcons as soon as the tampering window opens'

Daily Mail

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins will reportedly enter free agency and begin 'discussions' with the Atlanta Falcons at 12 p.m., when the legal tampering window opens. The Falcons have been linked with acquiring Bears quarterback Justin Fields for months as the Bears hold the No 1 pick in next month's NFL Draft and could select former Heisman Trophy winner Caleb …

1 year ago

Russell Wilson signing with Steelers on eve of NFL free agency leaves Kirk Cousins and Justin Fields as the remaining quarterback dominos

Daily Mail

The NFL's free agency dominoes are already falling with days to spare before players can officially begin signing new deals. Next month's draft offers young talent at the position in USC's Caleb Williams and North Carolina's Drake Maye, but for quarterback-hungry teams looking for more experience, free agent Kirk Cousins and Chicago Bears signal caller Justin Fields now stand as …

1 year ago

NFL free agency: Kirk Cousins, Saquon Barkley ruffle feathers

LA Times

Quarterback Kirk Cousins will be wearing his third NFL uniform next season, joining the Atlanta Falcons. The NFL’s legal-tampering period opened Monday, meaning teams and free agents could start striking deals that can be inked Wednesday at the start of the new league year. They’re going to sign quarterback Kirk Cousins, luring him away from the Minnesota Vikings for a …

1 year ago

$100 million gamble on Kirk Cousins announces the Falcons are done being patient

New York Times

The Atlanta Falcons and the Minnesota Vikings traded places Monday. Minnesota head coach Kevin O’Connell said last month at the NFL combine that he was confident a deal was going to get done with Cousins, but, on Monday, Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah released a statement that read in part: “After significant and positive dialogue with Kirk and his representatives, …

1 year ago

Kirk Cousins, Chris Jones, Saquon Barkley are among the star players set to test NFL free agency

Associated Press

Kirk Cousins will be a free agent for the first time since the Vikings gave him the first fully-guaranteed quarterback deal in the NFL. All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones heads a list that includes fellow defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, edge rushers Danielle Hunter, Chase Young and Jonathan Greenard, safeties Justin Simmons and Xavier McKinney, cornerbacks Xavien Howard and Tre’Davious White, …

1 year ago

Kirk Cousins to Falcons? Sam Howell to Broncos? QB predictions for every NFL team

New York Times

The quarterback carousel is spinning. Locked in, nothing to see here Safe, but with something to prove Young, unaccomplished, but safe Player Team Anthony Richardson Colts Bryce Young Panthers Young, unaccomplished, but probably safe Player Team Will Levis Titans To be determined Player Team Daniel Jones Giants Geno Smith Seahawks Open for business Bears, Broncos, Buccaneers, Commanders, Falcons, Patriots, Raiders, …

1 year, 3 months ago

Where will Kirk Cousins, Kyler Murray play next year? Setting the stage for 2024 QB carousel

New York Times

By now, the Super Bowl contenders are well aware of their standing among the NFL’s hierarchy, while the postseason afterthoughts are assessing their offseason roadmaps. Wilson’s five-year, $242.5 million contract looked like a massive issue throughout 2022, and that may still be the case, which would place him in the category below. He’s on the books in 2024 for a …

2 years ago

AP source: Vikings convert Cousins bonus, clear $16M off cap

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings cleared the necessary space from their salary cap the day before the start of free agency, with a big boost from a contract restructure for quarterback Kirk Cousins. The Vikings also reached agreements to bring back center Garrett Bradbury, long snapper Andrew DePaola, kicker Greg Joseph and backup quarterback Nick Mullens, before they were due …

2 years, 1 month ago

Falcons cut veteran QB Mariota, gain $12 million in cap room

Associated Press

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons released quarterback Marcus Mariota on Tuesday, a move that was expected after the veteran was benched late in the season. “We just feel we’re doing what’s best for the team at the time but appreciate him and what he did while he was here.” Mariota signed a $10.5 million, two-year deal with Atlanta after the …

2 years, 3 months ago

When the Falcons elevated Desmond Ridder, they might have lost Marcus Mariota

New York Times

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Falcons head coach Arthur Smith knew he was taking a risk last week when he chose to make rookie Desmond Ridder his starting quarterback. That’s how things turned out, though, when veteran Marcus Mariota left the team at least temporarily to have what Smith described as a “chronic” knee issue evaluated. The Falcons don’t know when …

2 years, 7 months ago

Marcus Mariota, Atlanta Falcons hope they’re a good match

Associated Press

ATLANTA — Marcus Mariota and the Atlanta Falcons hope they are a good match. The last couple of years was a great reset.” While the Falcons have a bunch of issues, Mariota is looking forward to working with one of the league’s top tight ends in Kyle Pitts, who made the Pro Bowl as a rookie, and running back/receiver Cordarrelle …

3 years, 9 months ago

With Julio Jones off the table, are there other players the 49ers might pursue this summer?

New York Times

For obvious reasons, Julio Jones was always an intriguing option to the 49ers, but acquiring him was never likely. Numbers come courtesy OTC except for the 49ers’ 2021 cap figure, which comes from our own calculations and includes Lance’s deal : Salary-cap outlooks: Pre-Jones deal Team 2021 space 2022 space* Players under contract 49ers $10m $23.8m 34 Titans $3.4m $22.4m …

4 years, 1 month ago

Offensive valuations: Which pending free agents might the 49ers re-sign?

New York Times

Last week, we conducted valuations for the 49ers’ six most prominent pending free agents on the defensive side of the ball. Speaking about his desire to stay with the 49ers last month, Williams also made sure to mention that he’d never seen a top left tackle hit the open market. At this age, Williams almost certainly won’t sign for Stanley’s …

7 years ago

Vikings cap Cousins welcome party, with $84M guaranteed deal

Associated Press

EAGAN, Minn. — The leverage of free agency in his prime brought Kirk Cousins the market-setting contract with Minnesota. The Vikings wrapped up their welcome party with an $84 million, three-year contract for Cousins on Thursday afternoon, banking big time on the late-blooming former Washington Redskins prospect to finally stabilize a critical position that’s been infamously problematic. “But what my …

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Russell Wilson trolled by NFL fans after new Giants QB throws a pass into MSG crowd at Knicks game

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