Tag: Kirk Cousins

Sep 13, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) talks with Washington Redskins offensive coordinator Sean McVay before the game between the Washington Redskins and the Miami Dolphins at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images

Rams considering signing Kirk Cousins as backup QB

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Los Angeles coach Sean McVay is open to a potential reunion with Kirk Cousins as the team’s backup quarterback behind reigning MVP Matthew Stafford.

The Rams are also open to re-signing Jimmy Garoppolo, who has served as the team’s backup for the last two seasons. However, Garoppolo is a free agent and could elect to sign elsewhere, potentially opening the door for a Cousins-McVay reunion.

McVay was the offensive coordinator in Washington when Cousins took over as the starter in 2015. They spent five seasons together and Cousins is back on the market, seemingly as a depth piece, after he was released on March 11 two years into the four-year, $180 million contract he signed with the Atlanta Falcons.

“Kirk is as influential as anybody in helping me get to L.A. in the first place,” McVay said in a Monday appearance on PFT Live at the league meetings in Phoenix. “I know he’s got some other options and some other suitors but Jimmy and Kirk are guys that I would love to be able to have back with us.”

Cousins, a four-time Pro Bowler, turns 38 in August. He struggled down the stretch in his first season with the Falcons, throwing 18 touchdowns to 16 interceptions and losing the starting job to rookie Michael Penix Jr. However, he appeared healthier when he stepped in for Penix after the latter’s season-ending injury last fall, throwing for 1,721 yards, 10 touchdowns and five interceptions in eight starts.

Over 14 seasons, Cousins has completed 66.7% of his passes for 44,700 yards, 298 touchdowns and 131 interceptions.

–Field Level Media

Jan 4, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) throws a pass against the New Orleans Saints in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Falcons GM confirms QB Kirk Cousins to be released March 11

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Atlanta Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham said Tuesday he informed quarterback Kirk Cousins that the team would release him on March 11, the first day of the new league year.

“I did talk to Kirk and his representation, Mike McCartney, letting them know that would release him,” Cunningham said. “Just felt that was out of respect for Kirk, and Mike, his agent, for what he has done for his career. I owe that to him, we owe that to him, just allow him some clarity going into free agency.”

Cousins, 37, agreed to modify the final two seasons of a four-year, $180 million deal last month that lowered his 2026 base salary from a non-guaranteed $35 million to just $2.1 million. The difference of $32.9 million matches the increase of his 2027 salary.

A four-time Pro Bowl selection, Cousins completed 61.7% of his passes for 1,721 yards with 10 touchdowns and five interceptions in 10 games (eight starts) this past season. Atlanta was 5-3 in Cousins’ starts.

Last Friday, Falcons team president Matt Ryan initially backed away from a full commitment to quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in his opening press conference in Atlanta. However, Ryan implied that the 2024 first-round pick wasn’t going anywhere.

Penix, 25, started nine games (3-6 record) last season before he tore his ACL, an injury that is all too familiar, as is the recovery and rehab to follow. Determined to get back sooner than projected from his third knee reconstruction, Penix said in early February that he’s “a little bit” ahead of schedule and expects to be ready for the first game of the 2026 season.

With Penix on injured reserve watching Cousins operate the offense, the Falcons missed the playoffs and finished 8-9. Since then, head coach Raheem Morris was fired, the Falcons overhauled their front office and hired Ryan as team president. Ryan went with former Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski in Atlanta’s wide-ranging search, which multiplied questions about what the Falcons might do behind center.

–Field Level Media

Feb 6, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Kirk Cousins on the Opening Drive show at the SiriusXM NFL radio set at the Super Bowl LX media center at the Moscone Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Report: Falcons to cut Kirk Cousins before new league year

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Kirk Cousins soon will get to decide where he wants to play in 2026 — or whether he wants to play at all — as the Atlanta Falcons are expected to part ways with the veteran quarterback before the new league year begins in mid-March, ESPN reported Saturday.

Last month, the 37-year-old Cousins and the Falcons agreed to modify the final two seasons of his four-year, $180 million contract. The adjusted deal gave the Falcons salary-cap flexibility and also set up a decision to be made about Cousins’ future in Atlanta by the third day of the 2026 NFL league year on March 13.

The modified deal reduced his 2026 base salary from a non-guaranteed $35 million to just $2.1 million. The difference of $32.9 million matches the increase of his 2027 salary.

Cousins, who has a no-trade clause, still has a guaranteed $10 million roster bonus for 2026.

Per ESPN, Cousins has not ruled out playing next season. But if he retires after 14 NFL seasons, he could move over to television after appearing on CBS’ pregame show during this postseason.

The Falcons, meanwhile, have not committed to Michael Penix Jr. as the starter. Penix, who suffered a torn left ACL in November and could need nine to 12 months to recover, said in recent interviews that he expects to be ready for the season opener in September.

Atlanta president of football Matt Ryan said that no position is set, and that the front office would have “a lot of discussions for us about the entire roster.”

A four-time Pro Bowl selection, Cousins completed 61.7% of his passes for 1,721 yards with 10 touchdowns and five interceptions in 10 games (eight starts). Atlanta was 5-3 in Cousins’ starts, including a four-game winning streak to close the season in a three-way tie for the NFC South crown.

Whomever the starting QB is, he will be under the guidance of new head coach Kevin Stefanski, who was hired last month, along with new general manager Ian Cunningham. Head coach Raheem Morris and GM Terry Fontenot were dismissed early last month following a second straight 8-9 campaign.

–Field Level Media

Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. undergoing third ACL surgery, out for season

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Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. required season-ending surgery to repair a partially torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

Atlanta’s first-round pick in the 2024 draft, Penix received a second medical opinion before opting to head back to the operating table.

It will be his third ACL surgery. He tore his right ACL twice while in college in Indiana, and suffered two serious shoulder injuries.

“The one thing we say about Michael: He knows what it’s like to be battle-tested. He’s shown us that before,” Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said Wednesday afternoon. “Last injury he had was ’21, I believe it was a shoulder. The last knee was in ’20. He’s done nothing but come back stronger every single opportunity he’s been given.”

“The guy is going to come back stronger for us,” Morris continued. “This organization believes in him. His coaches believe in him. His guys believe in him. He’s going to come back stronger.”

Penix was injured Sunday in Atlanta’s 30-27 overtime loss to Carolina. Veteran Kirk Cousins replaced Penix and has been elevated to the starting job, with Easton Stick to move from the practice squad to the backup role.

The Falcons did not provide a timeline for his recovery or on-field availability for the 2026 season.

Atlanta (3-7) will attempt to halt a five-game losing streak on Sunday at New Orleans (2-8).

Penix completed 13 of 16 passes for 175 yards before leaving the Sunday game. Cousins was 6 of 14 for 48 yards, with neither QB throwing a touchdown or an interception.

Morris said top wide receiver Drake London (knee) is out against the Saints.

Drafted eighth overall in 2024, Penix ends the season with nine starts. He completed 60.1% of his passes for 1,982 yards, nine TDs and three picks.

Cousins, 37, started for the injured Penix in a 34-10 home loss to the Miami Dolphins in Week 8. In three games this season, the four-time Pro Bowl selection has completed 32 of 52 passes for 250 yards with no TDs or interceptions.

–Field Level Media

Jun 11, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) and head coach Raheem Morris on the field during Minicamp at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Falcons coach on Michael Penix Jr.: ‘Feel really good about him’

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix and wide receiver Drake London are both making progress as they bid to return from injuries, coach Raheem Morris said Wednesday.

Penix, who is nursing a bone bruise on his knee, was a spectator this past Sunday and watched as Kirk Cousins and the Falcons struggled mightily in a 34-10 setback to the Miami Dolphins. Cousins, 37, completed 21 of 31 passes for 173 yards while making his first start of the season.

“Michael is in the building,” Morris said. “Obviously in meetings. He’ll go out there today and do walk-through. We’ll get a chance to get a feel for what he can do in practice, if he can do anything. But obviously we’ll get to that right after this and find out what he’s doing, how he can do it and how he feels and all that type of stuff. Obviously he feels better than he did last week. Obviously he feels better than he did every single day with it being a bone bruise. That stuff gets better every day. So, I feel really good about him.”

Penix was hurt during Atlanta’s 20-10 road loss against the San Francisco 49ers on Oct. 19. He played the entire game and completed 21 of 38 passes for 241 yards and one touchdown.

Penix, 25, has started six games this season and completed 61% of his passes for 1,409 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions. He has also rushed for one TD.

London, who had no injury designation last Friday, was downgraded to questionable with a hip injury on Saturday before being ruled out on Sunday. The 24-year-old, however, is expected to participate in practice this week, Morris said.

London leads the Falcons in catches (38) and receiving yards (469) this season. He is tied with star running back Bijan Robinson with two touchdown receptions.

–Field Level Media

Oct 19, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) reacts while walking off the field after the game against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

Falcons WR Drake London, QB Michael Penix inactive vs. Dolphins

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Atlanta Falcons star wide receiver Drake London is inactive for Sunday’s game against the visiting Miami Dolphins.

London, who had no injury designation on Friday, was downgraded to questionable with a hip injury on Saturday before being ruled out on Sunday.

He leads the Falcons in catches (38) and receiving yards (469) this season. He is tied with star running back Bijan Robinson with two touchdown receptions.

Kirk Cousins has been confirmed to start Sunday’s game with fellow Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. ruled out with a bone bruise on his knee. Penix was limited in practice this week.

As for the Dolphins, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is expected to play in Sunday’s game despite being added to the injury report with an illness.

Tagovailoa, who does not carry an injury designation into the game, was benched last week in a 31-6 loss to the Cleveland Browns. He threw three interceptions and mustered only 100 passing yards with 12 completions and a career-worst passer rating of 24.1. It was his second consecutive three-INT game.

Zach Wilson will serve as the backup with fellow quarterback Quinn Ewers listed as inactive.

Tagovailoa, 27, has thrown for 1,313 yards with 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions for Miami (1-6), which has dropped three consecutive games for the second time this season.

While Tagovailoa will play and Ewers is out, the Dolphins listed the following players as inactive: defensive backs Elijah Campbell and Juju Brents, safety Jordan Colbert, wide receiver Tahj Washington, defensive tackle Zeek Biggers and tight end Julian Hill.

In addition to London and Penix, the Falcons (3-3) also listed defensive lineman Zach Harrison, edge rusher Jalon Walker, cornerback Billy Bowman Jr., offensive lineman Michael Jerrell and defensive lineman LaCale London as inactive.

–Field Level Media

Sep 28, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) on the field during the game against the Washington Commanders at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Report: Falcons ‘highly likely’ to start QB Kirk Cousins vs. Dolphins

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Kirk Cousins is “highly likely” to start for the Falcons against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday with Atlanta quarterback Michael Penix recovering from a bone bruise to his left knee, ESPN reported on Saturday.

Cousins, 37, worked with the first-team offense this week while Penix was limited. Penix is listed on the injury report as questionable for the game.

“(Cousins has) played a lot of football in this league. It gives you a lot of comfort knowing that you have Kirk, a lot of confidence knowing that you have Kirk,” Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said. “Obviously, it will be all based on Mike’s injury status and Mike’s injury status alone.”

Penix was hurt during Atlanta’s 20-10 road loss last Sunday night against the San Francisco 49ers. He played the entire game and completed 21 of 38 passes for 241 yards and one touchdown.

Penix, 25, has started all six games this season and completed 61% of his passes for 1,409 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions. He has also rushed for one TD.

Cousins has started 159 career games and thrown for 43,008 yards, 288 touchdowns and 126 interceptions. He lost the starting job to Penix late in 2024. Cousins was intercepted a career-worst 16 times last season, tying Tampa Bay’s Baker Mayfield for the most picks in the NFL.

Cousins completed 5 of 7 passes for 29 yards in his lone appearance of this season, a 30-0 loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 3.

–Field Level Media

Dec 22, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) prepares for a game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Falcons QB Kirk Cousins absent from voluntary OTAs

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins was absent from practice at voluntary organized team activities on Tuesday.

“I did not see him today,” Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said. “He did not show up in the meetings, so I did not see him today.”

Cousins, who turns 37 in mid-August, has been visible at the team’s offseason workouts prior to Tuesday.

The Falcons reportedly are open to listening to trade offers for Cousins, who would have to waive his no-trade clause.

While Cousins is holding out hope for a starter’s role with another team, the Falcons likely are waiting until after June 1 to trade the quarterback. Should that be the case, the team will be on the hook for a $12.5 million dead cap charge.

Atlanta signed Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract with $100 million guaranteed before the 2024 season, then selected Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick in the draft.

The Falcons started the season 6-3, but a nosedive Cousins told NFL Network coincided with a shoulder injury prompted Morris to turn the offense over to Penix with three games left in the regular season. Penix went 1-2.

Penix is the team’s No. 1 quarterback entering the new season. The Falcons also have quarterbacks Easton Stick and Emory Jones on their roster.

Cousins threw for 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions in 14 starts last season.

–Field Level Media

Dec 22, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) warms up on the field prior to the game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Kirk Cousins attends Falcons’ voluntary workouts amid uncertain future

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With his future in flux, Kirk Cousins attended the first day of the Atlanta Falcons’ offseason workouts, multiple reports said Tuesday.

The decision came as a surprise, as the Falcons and head coach Raheem Morris expected him to skip out on the voluntary program.

“I’m not going to be foolish to think that he’s going to show up for voluntary work,” Morris said at the league meeting. “… I don’t think he’ll be there. If he is, we’ll welcome him with open arms. But I’m not going to be foolish enough to make myself get worked up and angry about Kirk Cousins missing voluntary workouts.”

The veteran quarterback wants to be released to seek a starting job in 2025, but the Falcons may hold onto Cousins as a backup to Michael Penix Jr.

Atlanta is also open to listening to offers for Cousins, but reports indicate the team would want any trade partner to take on some of his guaranteed money.

The Falcons signed Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract with $100 million guaranteed before the 2024 season, then drafted Penix with the eighth overall pick in the draft. They benched Cousins for Penix midway through the 2024 season.

Penix is the team’s No. 1 quarterback entering the new season. The Falcons signed free agent Easton Stick on Monday, and 2024 undrafted free agent Emory Jones is also on the depth chart.

–Field Level Media

Dec 22, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) prepares for a game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Reports: Falcons to keep QB Kirk Cousins past deadline

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The Atlanta Falcons plan to keep Kirk Cousins on their roster past the 4 p.m. ET deadline Saturday, multiple outlets reported. As a result, the quarterback’s $10 million roster bonus that is due in 2026 will be fully guaranteed.

That decision grants the Falcons additional time as they weigh the 36-year-old Cousins’ future with the team.

Atlanta is all in on quarterback Michael Penix Jr. as the face of the franchise.

In his return from a torn Achilles and debut season with the Falcons, Cousins said arm injuries were a detriment and led to him being benched in favor of Penix in December. Cousins went to the bench after tossing one touchdown and nine interceptions in a five-game stretch that knocked the Falcons out of playoff position.

Atlanta selected Penix eighth overall in last April’s draft shortly after Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million deal with the Falcons.

–Field Level Media