Could Kirk Cousins’ time in Atlanta be shorter than expected? According to a recent report by an NFL.com analyst, the veteran quarterback may be on the move again in 2025 — despite just signing a major deal with the Atlanta Falcons earlier this offseason.
Cousins, 36, inked a four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons in March 2024, instantly becoming the face of a franchise that had cycled through multiple starting quarterbacks in the years following Matt Ryan’s departure. But according to analyst Gregg Rosenthal, there’s growing belief that Cousins may not finish out even the second year of that deal as Atlanta’s starter.
“Cousins might be a one-and-done in Atlanta,” Rosenthal said. “Not because he’s bad, but because the Falcons may already have their future in the building.”
That future? Rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr., whom the Falcons drafted in the first round just weeks after signing Cousins — a move that shocked many around the league. Penix has impressed coaches during early workouts and mini-camps, showing strong command of the offense and elite arm strength. If that development continues, it could create pressure for the Falcons to pivot sooner rather than later.
Cousins, meanwhile, is returning from a torn Achilles and has been easing into football activities. Though he’s expected to start in Week 1, some insiders believe his performance — and Atlanta’s record — will dictate how long he holds the job.
The idea of Cousins starting elsewhere in 2025 isn’t outlandish. His contract structure allows for flexibility, and QB-needy teams could come calling if Atlanta decides to hand the reins to Penix.
For now, Cousins is QB1. But in the NFL, futures change fast — and this one’s worth watching.
