Reports: Falcons to keep QB Kirk Cousins past deadline

Field Level Media|published: Sat 15th March, 14:53 2025

Dec 22, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) prepares for a game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The Atlanta Falcons plan to keep Kirk Cousins on their roster past the 4 p.m. ET deadline Saturday, multiple outlets reported. As a result, the quarterback's $10 million roster bonus that is due in 2026 will be fully guaranteed.

That decision grants the Falcons additional time as they weigh the 36-year-old Cousins' future with the team.

Atlanta is all in on quarterback Michael Penix Jr. as the face of the franchise.

In his return from a torn Achilles and debut season with the Falcons, Cousins said arm injuries were a detriment and led to him being benched in favor of Penix in December. Cousins went to the bench after tossing one touchdown and nine interceptions in a five-game stretch that knocked the Falcons out of playoff position.

Atlanta selected Penix eighth overall in last April's draft shortly after Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million deal with the Falcons.

--Field Level Media