Falcons GM Terry Fontenot makes feelings crystal clear on $180,000,000 Kirk Cousins' future in Atlanta

Quarterback Kirk Cousins' future with the Atlanta Falcons has been in question for the last few weeks. The veteran quarterback, signed last offseason, was benched in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. to end the season.

Many speculated that the decision to bench was an indicator that Cousins would be released during the offseason. On Thursday morning, Atlanta Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot told reporters that he is "comfortable" with Cousins being Penix's backup heading into the 2025 NFL season.

"Fontenot on Cousins: We're comfortable moving forward with him as a backup. #Falcons"-Marc Raimondi reported on X

The Atlanta Falcons will owe Kirk Cousins $10 million in a roster bonus on March 17, 2025. That was the main catalyst in many speculating that he would be released by Atlanta before that.

Falcons GM adds: Trading Kirk Cousins isn't off the table

Terry Fontenot may have said retaining Kirk Cousins as the backup. When asked about possibly trading the veteran quarterback and accepting trade calls, he didn't deny that it would be an option but, did say that everyone would have to agree.

“everyone would have to be good with it,” Fontenot said regarding a trade.

Kirk Cousins signed a four-year contract worth $180 million last March, including a full no-trade clause. If the Falcons were presented with an intriguing trade offer, they would first need to obtain Cousins' approval and he would have to waive the trade clause.

If the Falcons decide to release Cousins before June 1, 2025, they would have to deal with $65 million in dead salary cap space. If Atlanta can work out a trade before June 1, 2025, the dead salary cap space hit would be $37.5 million.

While there are some teams in need of a quarterback, Cousins' performance in 2024 likely wasn't enough to convince another team to take on his salary. Cousins was 7-7 in 14 starts in 2024, he threw for 3,508 yards and 18 touchdowns but also 16 interceptions, which was the most by a quarterback in the league this season.

As of right now, it makes the most financial sense for the Falcons to retain Cousins and allow him to mentor Michael Penix Jr. unless another better opportunity presents itself.