Falcons Open to Kirk Cousins Trade, Veteran Not Expected at Voluntary OTAs

Voluntary OTAs: Head Coach Raheem Morris stated he does not expect Kirk Cousins to attend the team's voluntary offseason team activities (OTAs) but would welcome him if he chose to participate.

Backup Role: The Falcons are comfortable with Cousins serving as the backup quarterback to Michael Penix Jr. for the 2025 season.

Trade Possibility: Atlanta is open to exploring a trade for Cousins if an opportunity arises that benefits both the team and the player. Morris acknowledged Cousins has expressed a desire to be a starter.

Contract Details: Cousins' contract includes a $10 million roster bonus for 2026 that recently became guaranteed, and he carries a $27.5 million base salary for 2025. He initially signed a four-year, $180 million deal with $90 million guaranteed last year.

No-Trade Clause: Any trade requires Cousins to waive his no-trade clause. Reports suggest he may wait until after the NFL Draft to make a decision.

Why this matters: This situation creates uncertainty for both the Falcons' quarterback depth chart and Cousins' career trajectory. A potential trade could significantly alter the QB landscape for involved teams, while Cousins remaining adds an experienced, albeit expensive, backup to Atlanta.

Q: Will Kirk Cousins attend Falcons OTAs?

A: Falcons Head Coach Raheem Morris stated he does not expect Cousins to attend the voluntary portion of OTAs, but emphasized they are voluntary and Cousins would be welcomed if he appeared.

Q: Are the Falcons planning to trade Kirk Cousins?

A: The Falcons are open to a trade if it is mutually beneficial and Cousins agrees to waive his no-trade clause. However, they are also prepared for him to serve as the backup quarterback to Michael Penix Jr. in 2025.

Q: Why would the Falcons trade Cousins after signing him last year?

A: The team drafted Michael Penix Jr. as their future starter. Cousins desires a starting role, and a trade could provide that opportunity while potentially offering the Falcons some salary cap relief, despite likely dead money charges.

The Falcons are prioritizing their future with Michael Penix Jr. at quarterback.

Kirk Cousins' status remains uncertain; he could be traded or serve as an expensive backup.

Financial implications (salary, guaranteed money, potential dead cap) play a significant role in any decision.

Keep an eye on developments, especially around the NFL Draft, as Cousins may wait until then to decide on waiving his no-trade clause.

Falcons HC Raheem Morris not expecting QB Kirk Cousins at voluntary OTAs{}

Raheem Morris: If a trade of Kirk Cousins is good for both of us, we’d like to see that happen{}

Falcons preparing for Kirk Cousins to be backup QB, not expected at OTAs{}