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Falcons Make Surprising Kirk Cousins Decision Before Titans Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated Aug 12, 2025 11:22 AM ET

Although various starting quarterbacks leaguewide suited up for their team’s first preseason games, the Atlanta Falcons rested first-year starter Michael Penix Jr. and four-time Pro Bowler Kirk Cousins against the Detroit Lions last Friday.

If the Falcons plan to play Penix this preseason, it won’t be against the Tennessee Titans on Friday. Atlanta coach Raheem Morris confirmed on Tuesday that Penix will “for sure” sit out once again.

Cousins, though, could be another story. Morris told reporters that he’ll decide following Tuesday and Wednesday’s joint practices whether or not the 14-year vet will suit up.

Playing Cousins would be an odd choice, especially considering the lingering questions regarding his long-term fit in Atlanta. Cousins is in the second season of a four-year, $180 million contract, and he’s guaranteed $27.5 million for 2025. Although Atlanta hasn’t cut or traded Cousins yet, a divorce has felt inevitable since the Falcons selected Penix in the 2024 draft.

Sitting Cousins doesn’t guarantee that he’ll stay healthy, as Philadelphia Eagles fans will frustratingly point out about left guard Landon Dickerson. The three-time Pro Bowler went down with a right knee injury on Sunday night and will have surgery, though he hopes to be ready for Week 1.

However, why would the Falcons even take the risk of asking Cousins to take preseason snaps? Atlanta is better off keeping Cousins away from the field and waiting for a quarterback-needy team to bite the bullet and ask about a trade.

Cousins posted a 66.9 completion percentage, 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns, and a league-high 16 interceptions in 14 starts. Most concerningly, Cousins threw an interception on a career-worst 3.5% of his passes.

Atlanta opens its season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Sept. 7.

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

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