This act stunned some within the constructing, per NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo. This comes throughout an fascinating stretch, as Cousins is not open to waiving his no-trade clause till after the draft. The quarterback who introduced a tampering penalty for the Falcons final 12 months nonetheless wields some energy, through the clause, and he’s aiming to keep away from repeating a state of affairs just like the one which outlined his 2024 in Atlanta.
Shock Falcons first-round decide Michael Penix Jr. reshaped Cousins’ Falcons path weeks after he signed, and the QB can have extra details about the place’s panorama after the likes of Shedeur Sanders, Jaxson Dart, Tyler Shough and Jalen Milroe are dispersed to groups. Although, Cousins additionally runs the chance of seeing the a starter route shut after the draft; Aaron Rodgers‘ resolution (because it pertains to the Steelers) additionally stands to affect Cousins’ choices.
A latest report steered the Falcons had been not interested in a Day 3 pick for Cousins. The workforce’s social gathering line has remained a Penix-Cousins depth chart stays firmly in play, whilst many across the league have doubted that. The Falcons added some QB insurance coverage Monday night by signing Easton Stick. The ex-Chargers backup, although, profiles as a extra seemingly third-string choice for Atlanta. If the workforce does have a Cousins commerce within the offing, a brand new backup would seemingly be wanted — particularly contemplating Penix’s damage historical past.
Accidents marring 4 Penix seasons at Indiana will assuredly issue into the Falcons’ considering with Cousins. The Falcons have set an unrealistic wage demand relating to a Cousins swap, with a number of experiences pointing to the workforce asking an acquiring club to take on at least $20M of his 2025 cash. Cousins’ 2026 $10M guarantee is also subject to offset language, which might stick the buying workforce with that tab as properly. Something within the neighborhood of $20M in 2025 is probably going a nonstarter for groups, and it could have contributed to the Browns selecting to reunite with
Joe Flacco.
For now, Cousins stays on Atlanta’s roster. It could be odd if Cousins confirmed for Falcons OTAs, as QBs on the way in which out — or suspected to be on the way in which out, because the 2022 Jimmy Garoppolo state of affairs reminded — are not often a part of such exercises. However he was within the constructing for the beginning of the workforce’s program. How the QB dominoes fall this weekend will set the stage for Falcons commerce talks to accentuate.
