NFL
Kirk Cousins Absent From OTAs: Will Falcons Keep QB?
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Get to know Dan Girolamo betterPublished27 May 2025
In an unsurprising move, Kirk Cousins was not at voluntary OTAs. Will Atlanta keep Cousins on the roster?
Kirk Cousins Absent From OTAs
Falcons QB Kirk Cousins is not in attendance today for the team’s voluntary OTAs, HC Raheem Morris told reporters. pic.twitter.com/Q6oZEAAb5x
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 27, 2025
Cousins was nowhere to be found today at OTAs.
Falcons head coach Raheem Morris confirmed that Cousins was not in attendance, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Cousins has been seen with several Falcons players and coaches earlier this offseason, including offensive coordinator Zac Robinson.
This portion of OTAs is voluntary, so Cousins will not be penalized for his absence. However, the team can discipline Cousins via fines if he misses the mandatory minicamp, which begins June 10.
The Falcons signed Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract during the 2024 offseason. Cousins was set to be the starter heading into last season.
Then, the Falcons shocked the NFL by taking quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in the first round to be Cousins’ backup.
Cousins, who was coming off an Achilles injury suffered during the 2023 season, showed signs of decline in Atlanta. After a 6-3 start, the Falcons went 1-4 over their next five games. Cousins threw for one touchdown and nine interceptions.
Head coach Raheem Morris benched Cousins before Atlanta’s Week 16 game.
Benching Cousins was a death blow for his time in Atlanta. Penix enters this season as the starter, while Cousins will be the backup.
Cousins asked Falcons owner Arthur Blank for his release, which has not been granted.
The Falcons owe Cousins $27.5 million guaranteed, a sum they would have to pay even if they release or trade the veteran. Therefore, Atlanta is comfortable with Cousins serving as the backup in 2025.
The team has an out from Cousins after this season and will certainly use it if Penix pans out as a starter.
Teams Who Could Be Interested In Kirk Cousins
"The last time I checked, Allen Iverson was the answer because it sure ain't Kirk Cousins." 😯
—@Realrclark25 on Kirk Cousins not being the answer at QB for the Steelers pic.twitter.com/3KaAlkc9cv
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) May 27, 2025
If the Falcons decide to move on from Cousins before the season, two teams would surely be interested.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are currently waiting on Aaron Rodgers to decide if he wants to play in 2025.
If Rodgers elects to retire, the Steelers could look toward acquiring Cousins to compete with Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and Skylar Thompson for the starting job.
The Cleveland Browns are the other team that would be interested in Cousins. Head coach Kevin Stefanski coached Cousins while serving as the offensive coordinator in Minnesota.
Cleveland is currently deciding between Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillion Gabriel to be the quarterback. If Cousins becomes available, the Browns should seriously consider bringing him in.
