The Falcons could cut the loss on Kirk Cousins and release him before the start of the new league season, but Kirk Cousins is on the bench in place of rookie Michael Penix Jr. on a team competing for a playoff spot. And other results are possible.
According to NFL Networkthe Falcons (7-7), who are one game behind the Buccaneers for first place in the NFC South, will sign Penix to a rookie contract through 2025, allowing the team to better manage such a big contract. There's a chance they'll keep Cousins as a reserve. Number 2.
According to reports, retaining Cousins, 36, is not “off the table”.
Alternatively, Cousins could choose to retire after blowing up in the first season of a four-year, $180 million contract that includes $90 million guaranteed at signing.
After tearing his Achilles tendon last season, Cousins threw a career-high 16 interceptions for 3,508 yards and 18 touchdowns through 14 games.
According to the newspaper, Cousins is expected to take about a month to consider his options after the season.
A trade is unlikely because Cousins has a no-trade clause and essentially has no incentive to agree to a deal.
So if Cousins wants to continue his NFL career, the Falcons will likely strip him of the Band-Aid and release him before his $10 million roster bonus is paid in March.
The Falcons announced on Tuesday that they would bench Cousins for Penix Jr. after a rough 15-9 win against the Raiders on Monday night, marking Atlanta's fourth consecutive loss.
Cousins went 11-for-17 for 112 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
Penix Jr. will make his first career start against the Giants on Sunday.
He made brief cameos in losses to the Seahawks and Broncos earlier this season.
The Falcons defeated the Buccaneers twice this season to earn the tiebreaker.
Tampa Bay visits the Cowboys on Sunday night and finishes with two home games against the Panthers and Saints, while Atlanta heads off to play the Commanders next Sunday night before finishing the season at home against the Panthers. .
