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The Atlanta Falcons are reportedly expected to part ways with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins ahead of a $10 million roster bonus that is due on March 17, as reported by ESPN this Saturday. This decision follows Cousins being benched in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. during the current season.
NFL teams are bracing for the Falcons to release Cousins before the bonus deadline, as he is set to receive that substantial payout for the upcoming season.
Interestingly, a Falcons official hinted that the organization might consider keeping both quarterbacks. This possibility is facilitated by Penix’s manageable salary cap figure of $5.2 million for next season, allowing the team some flexibility.
However, any move to retain Cousins would require his approval for a trade, adding another layer to the situation.
The Falcons faced significant backlash for their quarterback decisions last spring. They initially signed Cousins, a four-time Pro Bowler, to a lucrative four-year, $180 million contract on the first day of free agency, which included $100 million guaranteed.
Shortly after, they used their No. 8 overall draft pick to select Penix. Critics pointed out that while the Falcons aimed to secure their present and future at the quarterback position, they undermined Cousins before he even took the field.
Currently, the Falcons hold a 7-7 record and are just one game behind the leaders in the NFC South. They will face the struggling New York Giants (2-12) on Sunday, providing Penix with an advantageous opportunity for his first career start. The game is set to air on FOX at 1 p.m. ET.
