Kirk Cousins (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Atlanta Falcons and Kirk Cousins will reportedly part ways after the season, according to a report from Adam Schefter.
The 36-year-old quarterback is expected to be cut before March 17, which is when he is due a $10 million roster bonus.
Head coach Raheem Morris announced this week that rookie Michael Penix Jr. would take over at quarterback for the rest of the season.
In the meantime, the veteran quarterback has some options on what he plans to do.
Kirk Cousins, who signed a four-year, $180 million deal in the offseason to join the Falcons after six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, could very well retire from the NFL, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Should he retire, he would be leaving a ton of money on the table.
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Even if he did, Cousins has earned nearly $300 million dollars in his career.
With Cousins being benched for poor play and rookie Michael Penix Jr. taking his place, his one and only season with the Falcons has come to an end unless an injury takes place.
Even then, the team is unlikely to play him to ensure he does not get injured and wouldn’t be able to pass his physical.
If the Falcons do cut Kirk Cousins before March 17 and save $10 million, they are still on the hook for most of Cousins’ contract.
His cap hit for next season would have been $40 million if he were still on the roster. However, cutting him would add another $25 million to Cousins’ cap charge for the 2025 season.
Kirk Cousins Made History In His NFL Career
In 2018, Kirk Cousins signed with the Vikings on a fully guaranteed three-year contract worth $84 million.
This was historic since it was the first fully guaranteed in league history.
His career might be winding down, but he will forever be remembered for that deal.
Kirk Cousins’ Wife, Julie, Reveals The Only One Not Happy With Her Husbands Decision To Join The Atlanta Falcons
US american football quarterback Minnesota Vikings’ Kirk Cousins (L) and his wife Julie Cousins arrive for the premiere of Netflix’s docuseries “Quarterback” at the Tudum Theatre in Los Angeles, on July 11, 2023. (Photo by Chris Delmas / AFP) (Photo by CHRIS DELMAS/AFP via Getty Images)
Kirk Cousins is set to be the new starting quarterback in Atlanta, having agreed to a four-year, $180 million deal with the Falcons on Tuesday.
Cousins, who has a knack for securing lucrative contracts, is getting a $50 million signing bonus, as well as $100 million in guaranteed money, from the Falcons.
He and his wife Julie are set for a move, having lived in Minnesota for the last six years, and his other half seems to be very pleased with the deal.
“Packing up to head south… great time to play some instruments,” she said, via the New York Post. “Atlanta here we come!”
She later shared a photo of their dog, claiming “This guy is the only one not excited about moving down south!”
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“We came to Minnesota 6 years ago when Cooper was just 6 month old and Turner came shortly after!!” Julie also posted to Instagram. “Time flies when you’re having fun! I just want to say thank you to everyone who helped us build our life in Minnesota over the past 6 years. We have the most beautiful memories we will cherish forever!
Of course, Julie is a Georgia native, born in Alpharetta, and is naturally excited to be heading back home.
The Vikings Will Miss Cousins And His Family
The Vikings were hoping to retain the QB’s services but are resigned to losing him.
“Kirk holds a special place in Vikings history, and we appreciate his leadership and contributions to the team and the Minneapolis-St. Paul community over the past six seasons,” GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said. “We wish him; his wife, Julie; and their children all the best.”
The team is signing Sam Darnold as his replacement.
