Individuals within the Atlanta Falcons clearly want it known that they have no plan to release wantaway quarterback Kirk Cousins before his money for 2026
vests this coming Monday, even though 2024 first-round draft pick Michael Penix Jr. replaced Cousins in the lineup this past December.
It seems the Falcons won’t be changing that stance before St. Patrick’s Day celebrations get underway.
“Atlanta officials continue to insist publicly and privately that they will not release [Cousins] despite a $10M roster conversion that kicks in Monday and will only make him more expensive,” The Athletic’s Josh Kendall wrote for a piece published Friday morning. “The Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants and Tennessee Titans all went through the first week of free agency without an obvious resolution at quarterback, which makes them potential trade partners. If Atlanta can find a trade partner for Cousins, it’s unlikely the Falcons would get the type of return that would allow them to contribute to the defensive makeover that is needed.”
Later on Friday morning, Browns insider Tony Grossi said during an ESPN Cleveland appearance that he feels signing Cousins as a free agent is “plan A” for that club. If the Falcons have a change of heart and set Cousins free, the 36-year-old could put pen to paper on a team-friendly contract with the Browns. He previously had Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski as a quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator while with the Minnesota Vikings.
The Steelers, Giants and Vikings were all still being mentioned as potential landing spots for Aaron Rodgers as of Friday morning. At that same time, it seemed at least somewhat possible that Russell Wilson could join either the Giants or Browns.
As for the Titans, analysts such as ESPN’s Field Yates predicted after the opening day of free agency that Tennessee will make Miami quarterback Cam Ward the first pick of this year’s draft. The Titans presumably would start Ward if such a scenario played out.
Eventually, the clubs mentioned by Kendall will move on to other quarterbacks so they can prepare for the start of springtime workouts. In the end, this game of chicken could benefit nobody involved.
