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Kirk Cousins Has Clear Preference For 2025 NFL Season

Originally posted on The Spun | By Hunter Hodies | Last updated Apr 5, 2025 2:09 PM ET

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins is still on the roster even though he doesn't want to be the second-string quarterback in 2025.

Cousins started 14 games for the Falcons in 2024 before he was benched in favor of Michael Penix Jr. for the last three games. Cousins finished the season with 3,508 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions.

He signed a four-year $180 million contract during free agency last year but won't be the starter for this season since the Falcons are rolling with Penix Jr.

Cousins wants to play for a new team in 2025 and according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's D. Orlando Ledbetter, Cousins would prefer to be cut by the Falcons.

"Kirk is asking to be cut loose," Ledbetter said on 92.3 The Fan in Cleveland.

The Falcons are also willing to listen to trade offers surrounding Cousins but haven't made him any promises.

“At the end of the day, what happens happens, maybe something pre-draft, draft, post-draft, I don't know. But Cousins understands what our needs are and what we have to do as a franchise," Falcons owner Arthur Blank told The Athletic's Josh Kendall.

Cousins has only spent one season with the Falcons after spending the previous six with the Minnesota Vikings. He may be 36 but he feels he still has some good football left in him for this season and going forward.

The 2025 NFL Draft is still a few weeks away so the Falcons have time to decide what to do with Cousins. They could also make a move after the draft if they don't like the trade offers that they receive before or during the draft.

Cousins will receive plenty of interest from other teams if he hits the open market.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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