Cousins' top suitor is Cleveland, the long-recognized mecca center for all misfit quarterbacks. The Deshaun Watson experiment has been nothing short of a disaster. He has two years remaining on his five-year deal worth $230 million.

While many believe veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins is on the verge of being released by the Atlanta Falcons this offseason, some are wondering if the

NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reviews the various factors and the possible outcomes at play as the Atlanta Falcons proceed with a succession plan from Kirk Cousins to Michael Penix Jr.

If the Atlanta Falcons want to recoup something in an offseason trade for Kirk Cousins rather than simply release him after he was benched in favor of

The Kirk Cousins fiasco for the Atlanta Falcons led to a $180 million decision, and the winner was Michael Penix Jr. and the Falcons. So far.

Cousins, who is in the first season of a four-year, $180 million contract that included $90 million guaranteed at signing, was benched by the Falcons on Tuesday.

Cousins is owed $27.5 million guaranteed in 2025, but the Falcons can spread out his post-2024 salary cap hits by designating him a post-June 1 release. Such a move after the 2024

Now, mere days after Cousins was sent to the bench, ESPN 's Adam Schefter reported that the Falcons are expected to cut Cousins before a $10 million roster bonus is due in March. Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million deal to join the Falcons this past March, a contract which included $100 million guaranteed.

An NFL insider recently explained why trading Kirk Cousins will be very difficult for the Atlanta Falcons. And his future

The Atlanta Falcons are expected to release quarterback Kirk Cousins after just one season due to lackluster play, with rookie Michael Penix Jr. taking his place.

The Falcons drafted Washington standout Michael Penix Jr. in the first round, which was a surprise to Cousins. Penix, who was considered one of the more pro-ready quarterback prospects in the class, will make his first NFL start this Sunday against the New York Giants.