The Atlanta Falcons narrowly missed the postseason in 2025, winning their final four games and actually sending the Carolina Panthers to the playoffs with some wild tiebreaker math on Sunday. The organization also fired its general manager and head coach later that night, bringing former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins' future to the forefront. Surprisingly, Cousins changed his tune on Sunday, saying he would like to remain in Atlanta after hinting for months that he would like a trade or his release.
Atlanta's offseason power shift is here, and Cousins would like to stay this time.
The state of play in Atlanta has changed for Cousins, and he'd evidently like to remain the QB1 on that team.
The former Vikings quarterback reverses course.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins celebrates following a decisive win over the Los Angeles Rams on Dec. 29, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Cousins guided the offense efficiently throughout the afternoon, delivering timely throws and steady leadership as the Falcons closed out the regular season with momentum and confidence. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Cousins: "Love to be Back in Atlanta"
Reporters asked Cousins after his team's dub over New Orleans if he had played his last game as a Falcon.
He replied , "Hard to know. Hard to know. I would like to keep playing, but we'll see how things play out in March or even after that. I would love to be back here. We'll see how things play out. At this point, just see how it goes."
Back in October, Fansided 's Connor Muldowney noted on Cousins . " Kirk Cousins is unhappy in his current situation. While the four-time Pro Bowl quarterback has a job with the Atlanta Falcons , he's fed up with being the No. 2 guy at the position. He's done being a backup — or at least he wants to be."
"Earlier this week, Cousins requested a trade from the Falcons before the Nov. 4 trade deadline , and he wants to be sent to an organization where he'd be the No. 1 guy. It's unclear what that organization is, but it looks like his options may be limited."
So, yes: right before the league's 2025 trade deadline, Cousins wanted out. Now, he wants to stay. A change of heart.
Michael Penix Jr. 's Unknown Return Timetable
Penix Jr., the Falcons' QB1 entering 2025, tore his ACL — the same injury he had a couple of times before turning pro — right before Thanksgiving. Early estimates suggest a nine-month recovery time. That timeline could very well come to fruition, but Vikings fans know firsthand with Christian Darrisaw , for example, that an ACL tear recovery may take longer than expected.
If that situation besets Penix Jr., Atlanta will need a quality backup to guide the ship until Penix Jr. is ready.
Cousins certainly didn't play at a Pro Bowl level in 2025, and he isn't as productive as he was in his days with the Vikings. But he could be tabbed to return if Penix Jr.'s status is up in the air.
When it was all said and done in 2025, Cousins ranked 30th of 35 qualifying quarterbacks per EPA+CPOE , an efficiency stat that measures points and wins added to a team. He got semi-hot late in the season by his current standards, but overall, Cousins performed like a bottom-barrel passer.
We shall see if the Falcons recognize that.
New Leadership Incoming
Meanwhile, to spice up the plot, the Falcons fired their general manager and head coach on Sunday night.
NFL.com's Bobby Kownack wrote Monday , "A four-game winning streak to end the season couldn't save the jobs of Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot. Atlanta fired Morris and Fontenot on Sunday night following an 8-9 2025 campaign, the team announced. Morris went 16-18 in two seasons with the Falcons, while Fontenot went 37-48 in five years with zero playoff berths."
"NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo initially reported Morris' and Fontenot's firings. Blank announced further organizational changes on Monday morning. Falcons president Greg Beadles will be elevated to president and CEO, while Rich McKay will take on an expanded role within the organization, and Atlanta will hire a new president of football from outside the organization."
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins drops back during game action on Dec. 21, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Facing pressure from the Cardinals defense, Cousins worked through his progressions and managed the offense as Atlanta pushed to control tempo in a late-season road matchup. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
After telling reporters he'd like to stay, Cousins will now have to weigh a new general manager and a new coaching staff. There is no guarantee that new leadership will want him back.
Patchover Assignment?
Cousins' best bet is for the new general manager to realize that Cousins can hedge the bet against Penix Jr.'s injury. For instance, if Penix Jr. isn't quite ready for Week 1, well, Cousins can run the show until he returns.
The 37-year-old will also sock a $35 million dead cap hit against the Falcons' budget if the new general manager releases him. That's a lot, all things considered.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold embraces offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak after an overtime win over the Los Angeles Rams on Dec. 18, 2025, at Lumen Field in Seattle. The moment captured relief and celebration as Seattle executed late drives to secure a dramatic victory. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
By now, Cousins is familiar with the second-fiddle arrangement in Atlanta. Perhaps a new coach will recognize his value. Early reports indicate that the Falcons will interview Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, who worked with Cousins as his offensive coordinator in 2021 with the Vikings. If Kubiak is the guy, Cousins may be a lock to return for a third season in Atlanta.
Which is what he wants.
If Cousins is the odd man out, it is unclear if he would find a QB1 job around the league. He might be reserved for QB2 as he enters his age-38 season.
