Overview

• The Atlanta Falcons benched Kirk Cousins in favor of rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. before Week 16, signaling a likely end to Cousins' tenure with the team after just one season.
• Cousins has struggled this season, throwing a career-high 16 interceptions in 14 starts, including a stretch of nine interceptions and just one touchdown from Weeks 10 to 15.
• NFL executives believe the Falcons would need to absorb a significant portion of Cousins' $27.5 million guaranteed 2025 salary to trade him, with potential compensation limited to a day-three draft pick.
• Cousins' contract includes a no-trade clause and a $10 million roster bonus for 2026 that activates on March 17, creating urgency for Atlanta to make a decision before that date.
• Speculation about Cousins' next team includes quarterback-needy franchises like the Titans, Raiders, Jets, and Giants, while the 49ers and Vikings are seen as long-shot possibilities due to past connections.