Kirk Cousins seems to have no future with the Atlanta Falcons after his weak debut season. Nevertheless, the franchise apparently does not want to release him. This also has financial reasons.

A backup quarterback making $40 million in a season. Sounds like an obvious choice: look hard for a trade partner, and if you can’t find one, choose the emergency exit. So cancel the big contract and wish the player a successful career elsewhere in the NFL.

But the story of the Atlanta Falcons and Kirk Cousins is not quite that simple. The NFC South franchise was probably also dazzled by the veteran quarterback’s impressive statistics in his last year with the Minnesota Vikings and, in view of their plan to switch to win-now mode, the franchise signed the former fourth-round pick to a four-year, $180 million contract a year ago.

But in his first season in Atlanta, Cousins committed so many turnovers – 16 interceptions alone, eight of them in four consecutive games without a score – that he was benched during the hot phase of the regular season and had to watch from then on as rookie Michael Penix Jr. took over. Now in his second year with the Falcons, the then 37-year-old will likely start the season as a backup, but he will be handsomely paid.

Now Cousins is said to have sought a conversation with owner Arthur Blank, because he would rather play than just cash in. Albert Breer of “The MMQB” reported that the two met on Wednesday evening. However, that doesn’t appear to have gone as the four-time Pro Bowler might have hoped. Because the club’s leadership has determined that it will do whatever is best for the team at the quarterback position.

In other words, Cousins has to stay and start the season as the backup quarterback for the first time in more than a decade. Especially since his contract contains a no-trade clause, as NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported.

Cousins before Falcons farewell? Separation probably only realistic in 2026

For Cousins, who is already considered an expensive misunderstanding, this is a bitter pill to swallow. From the Falcons’ point of view, however, the clear “no” to possible thoughts of separation makes sense from two points of view. Because Penix Jr. was also not fully convincing in his appearances as a starter. A mentor with Cousins’ experience could still pay off here. And who knows, maybe it will also open the door for a return to the pitch.

And even financially, the Falcons are acting sensibly this time. The $40 million is only the lesser of two evils. If they were to send Cousins away, a dead cap of $65 million would remain from his fat contract. In this case, the team would have to make do with $25 million and an experienced quarterback less.

A trade after June 1 would be worthwhile at best. Because then only a dead cap of $12.5 million would remain for the 2025 season, since the total amount could be spread over the remaining years of the contract. Consequently, the Falcons would save the remaining $27.5 million in 2025. To do that, however, the bosses would have to have complete confidence in Penix Jr.

A Cousins departure in 2026 seems more realistic. At that point, the dead cap will be just $25 million. However, if traded before June 1, 2026, the Falcons could save $32.5 million. If Cousins is released or traded after that date, the franchise would save $35 million and $45 million, respectively, in 2026.

So Cousins is likely to face another crucial year. Only if he gets back into form in the upcoming season could he possibly still earn a long-term future in Atlanta.