Kirk Cousins Predicted to Lead Struggling AFC Team in 2025

The Atlanta Falcons have stated publicly they will consider bringing back quarterback Kirk Cousins in 2025 if only to serve as the team's backup behind Michael Penix Jr. However, it's also been speculated upon by NFL insider Adam Schefter that the team will move on, whether via trade or outright releasing the 37-year-old signal-caller.

ESPN's Seth Walder speculates that Cousins will lead the Cleveland Browns in 2025 and recommends that the team use the draft capital gained in trading defensive superstar Myles Garrett to sign Cousins and trade down for even more picks.

In December, Schefter revealed that sources told him Atlanta would cut Cousins before his $10 million bonus, which would be due on March 17. On "The Pat McAfee Show," Schefter further detailed that belief on Wednesday, reiterating that Atlanta would release Cousins.

Cousins was benched in 2024 in favor of Penix, his rookie counterpart, last season.

In an interview with The Athletic's Dianna Russini on her "Scoop City" podcast earlier this month, Cousins explained how injuries hindered his 2024 season.

"It certainly was a challenge coming back from the Achilles. I did feel like the Achilles healed well and was really strong during the season," Cousins said. "The challenge I had was, it sounds strange to say, but the rest of my ankle needed to figure out how to be an ankle again.

"Then dealt with a hit against the Saints in Week 10 that affected my shoulder and elbow. ... But now that it's the offseason, you do have a lot of time and energy to devote to getting healthy, resting, recovering and building back strength and mobility. So that's what my focus has been. I'm pretty confident with time that I'll be feeling really good come next season."

If Atlanta were to release Cousins before June 1, it would incur a $65 million dead cap hit in 2025. As it stands, the Falcons are roughly $9.5 million over the salary cap.