Falcons HC Raheem Morris divulges thoughts on QB Kirk Cousins' OTA plans

With Morris in his second offseason as Falcons head coach, the team may begin its offseason workout program, or organized team activities (OTAs), on Monday, April 21. (h/t NFL Operations)

Cousins, like any veteran, is well within his right to forgo a voluntary workout program. But his expected decision adds fuel to a potential trade down the road.

While Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot has repeatedly told reporters that Atlanta is "comfortable" carrying Cousins' exorbitant $40 million cap number on its 2025 roster, if it can acquire a draft pick for a player decidedly not in its long-term plans, it absolutely should.

The Falcons benched Cousins after 14 games last season. During his final five starts, Cousins threw one touchdown and nine interceptions, leading Morris to start 2024 first-round pick (No. 8 overall) Michael Penix Jr. for the season's final three games.

With Cousins unlikely to be with the team during OTAs, expect trade rumors to percolate. 

Despite the ugly end to his 2024 campaign, Cousins would be much more valuable on another roster where he'd have a chance to compete for a starting role.

Have doubts? Just look at some of the expected quarterback competitions this summer. The Browns would certainly be better with Cousins than Deshaun Watson or Kenny Pickett. The Steelers don't have a starting-caliber quarterback, despite head coach Mike Tomlin's early April Fools joke that Mason Rudolph is a legitimate option.

While he wouldn't fit Colts head coach Shane Steichen's preferred scheme, which relies on a mobile quarterback, Cousins is a stronger option than Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones.

Cousins would be much more valuable elsewhere than collecting dust on Atlanta's shelf.

The awkward union between the Falcons and Cousins has run its course. The quicker Atlanta accepts it, the sooner everyone can put it behind them.