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Are The Falcons Keeping Kirk Cousins?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Hery Acosta | Last updated May 19, 2025 11:25 AM ET

Cousins has been linked to many different teams since the offseason began, with the Steelers, Vikings, Saints, and Titans all being potential suitors at first before the draft. Multiple rumors have Cousins being dealt before the season starts but with some of the things the Falcons are asking for it could be hard to deal Cousins.

Cousins already has a no trade clause and will only waive it to go to a team that he could start for. The Falcons are also asking teams to take on at least $20 million of the guaranteed money that Cousins is owed.

Cousins is coming off a season where he led the league with 16 interceptions while only playing 14 games. He was benched for rookie Michael Penix Jr. who will now be the full-time starter in 2025.

There have been many teams to be in and out of the Cousins sweepstakes but none have pulled the trigger because of salary demands from the Falcons. These demands could mean the Falcons must keep Cousins and pay his full salary unless a trade partner can be found soon.

The Falcons have a lot of decisions to make regarding Cousins and his salary. Keeping Cousins is not the worst option as he will be a stable backup for Penix if he struggles but paying that much money to a backup quarterback can set your team back.

There is still a long way to go until the season kicks off and other teams could potentially need to bring in Cousins for a veteran leader and starter.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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