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NFL analyst predicts Falcons QB Kirk Cousins' next NFL team
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- NFL analyst predicts Falcons QB Kirk Cousins' next NFL team
For the fourth year in a row, the Atlanta Falcons will enter the season with a different starting quarterback. Michael Penix Jr . took over for Kirk Cousins in Week 16 of the 2024 season and the team isn't looking back. Penix's future is promising but leaves the not-so-small matter of Cousins' remaining contract.
With three years left on his deal (two years guaranteed), there's no cheap way for the Falcons to move on from the veteran QB this offseason. The team's best-case scenario is to trade Cousins after June 1. This would free up $27.5 million in cap space and incur a dead cap hit of $12.5 million.
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While general manager Terry Fontenot has indicated the Falcons could keep Cousins as a backup , that's unrealistic despite being the most cap-friendly option. If the Falcons are forced to release Cousins, as many expect, there are numerous potential landing spots .
In ESPN's starting quarterback projections for 2025. Cousins was listed among the 32 projected NFL starters, landing with the Cleveland Browns .
"Cousins, who could be released by the Falcons even though they said Tuesday that they would be open to him returning as a backup, would be available for close to the veterans minimum, like Russell Wilson was last year, if Atlanta moves on," wrote ESPN's Seth Walder . "Cousins' 2025 earnings will offset the $27.5 million in guaranteed salary he has coming from the Falcons, so there's little to no incentive to seek market value compensation from his new team."
Last year, Cousins passed for 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions before Penix took over. The Falcons are currently $5.2 million over the cap and would add a $40 million dead cap hit by releasing Cousins after June 1. A trade isn't off the table, but the team would need the 36-year-old to sign off on any deal due to his contract.
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While moving on from Cousins will undoubtedly be a headache, it doesn't compare to the pain of not having a quarterback.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons QB Kirk Cousins projected to start for AFC team in 2025
