Story by
Kirk Cousins No-Shows Falcons
- Story by
- Kirk Cousins No-Shows Falcons
Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
It's been over a year since Kirk Cousins turned down the Minnesota Vikings offer for a one-year bridge deal to play his seventh season with the franchise who signed him as a free agent in 2018, in favor of more money — and what he thought was more security — with the Atlanta Falcons .
Of course, we all know how the story goes from there. Atlanta selected Michael Penix Jr with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, two spots ahead of where the Vikings selected JJ McCarthy, shocking Cousins and his representation.
Advertisement
In week 16, after totalling 3,508 yards on 66.9% passing for 18 touchdowns and a league-high 16 interceptions, Cousins was benched in favor or Penix Jr., and he's remained the publicly declared Falcons backup quarterback ever since, despite the $75 million in guaranteed money still owed on Kirk's contract.
Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Since his benching, Kirk Cousins has made it clear he does not want to take a backseat to Michael Penix Jr in Atlanta. There have even been reports that he'd be more interested in backing up JJ McCarthy in Minnesota, if QB2 is his only option.
Still, up to this point, Kirk was continuing to show up and participate on all Falcons-sponsored workouts, both voluntary and mandatory, even as recently as mid-April , after head coach Raheem Morris told reporters that he didn't expect Cousins' presence at voluntary workouts this offseason.
Advertisement
Former Minnesota Vikings QB Kirk Cousins is a no-show for Atlanta Falcons OTAs
But now, just over one month later, the Atlanta Falcons have gathered at team facilities this week (just like the Minnesota Vikings), for Voluntary Organized Team Activities. One player who did not show up this time, however, was Kirk Cousins, who was always a staple at every Minnesota Vikings voluntary workout, while here.
The first practice of #Falcons OTAs is now underway and Kirk Cousins is not on the field. Cousins has made clear he wants to play elsewhere in 2025. https://t.co/8Uf6DY1mO0
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 27, 2025
While the 36-year-old Cousins did show his face earlier this spring, it's not a surprise he was not in the house today. The situation in Atlanta seems to be getting more and more desperate, with each day that goes by.
Most recently, Kirk Cousins has been tied to the Pittsburgh Steelers , who are waiting on Aaron Rodgers to get over his alleged obsession with the Minnesota Vikings and head coach Kevin O'Connell.
Advertisement
Should Rodgers find another landing spot or choose to retire, it sounds like the Steelers could sweeten whatever previous deal they've had on the table or have been willing to offer up for Cousins. Deals that, to this point, the Falcons have refused.
Related: The Minnesota Vikings Spent How Much More Than Everyone Else?!
But no matter what happens with A-Rodg and the trickle down effect it may or may not have on Kirk in Atlanta, it looks like the former MN Vikings QB is more determined than ever to escape the ATL, even if it means missing out on offseason workouts.
Now, will the Falcons hold out until practices become mandatory in a couple of weeks? If so, is Cousins willing to take fines and miss paychecks, in order to prove how serious he is; and then, where does the relationship go from there? We'll soon find out all the answers to those questions.
