The future of Kirk Cousins with the Atlanta Falcons is uncertain as the team looks towards the offseason. After a disappointing season, it seems that the Falcons are ready to make some big changes and Cousins could be one of the names on the list. While nothing is set in stone, it is highly likely that the quarterback will either be traded or released before the start of the 2022 season.
Cousins’ time with the Falcons has been a rollercoaster ride. When he first joined the team in 2020, there was a lot of excitement surrounding him as he was seen as an upgrade to their previous quarterback. And at first, he lived up to those expectations. He had a strong start to the season and showed promise for the future of the Falcons’ offense.
However, as the season progressed, Cousins’ performance began to decline. He struggled with consistency and made costly mistakes that ultimately led to the Falcons missing the playoffs for the third year in a row. And with a new head coach and potentially a new offensive system coming in, the Falcons may be looking to move on from Cousins and start fresh with a new quarterback.
So, the question remains, why would the Falcons choose to trade or release Cousins? The answer lies in his contract. Cousins’ salary for the 2022 season is a hefty $35 million, making him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league. And with the salary cap expected to decrease due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Falcons may simply not be able to afford to keep him on the team.
But it’s not just the financial aspect that is causing speculation about Cousins’ future with the Falcons. There are also concerns about his on-field performance. While he has had some good moments with the team, there have also been many instances where he has struggled and failed to deliver in crucial moments. This has led to questions about his ability to lead the team to success and whether he is the right fit for the Falcons’ offense.
But despite these uncertainties, there are still many reasons why Cousins could be a valuable asset to any team. He has proven in the past that he has the talent and ability to be a successful starting quarterback in the NFL. And with the right coaching and support, he could potentially bounce back and have a strong season with a different team.
It’s also worth mentioning that Cousins’ time with the Falcons has not been all bad. He has formed strong relationships with his teammates and has been a positive presence in the locker room. He has also been a valuable mentor to young quarterback Matt Ryan, who has shown tremendous growth and potential under his guidance.
So, what are the possible outcomes for Cousins this offseason? One option could be a trade to another team. There are many quarterback-needy teams in the league who could benefit from Cousins’ experience and leadership. And a fresh start with a new team could be just what he needs to reignite his career.
Another possibility is that the Falcons may choose to release Cousins. While this would result in a significant dead money hit for the team, it would also free up a large amount of cap space. This could allow the Falcons to make other necessary roster moves and potentially bring in a younger, more affordable quarterback to develop with the team.
Regardless of the outcome, it seems that Cousins’ time with the Falcons is coming to an end. And while it may be disappointing for both the team and the fans, it’s important to remember that this is a business and difficult decisions must be made in order to improve and move forward.
It’s also worth noting that Cousins has handled this situation with class and grace, as he always has during his time with the Falcons. He has been a true professional and a leader both on and off the field, and that should not go unnoticed.
In the end, whether Cousins is traded or released, it’s important to wish him the best in his future endeavors. He has been a valuable member of the Falcons’ organization and his contributions should not be overlooked. And as the team looks towards the future, it’s time for them to make the tough decisions necessary to put them on the path to success.
