The Atlanta Falcons found themselves in a no-win situation after benching veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins late in the 2024 season. Releasing Cousins just one year into his four-year, $180 million contract would create a salary cap headache, and the trade market for overpriced quarterbacks has dried up this late in the offseason.

This has left the Falcons in the somewhat unusual situation of having to keep Cousins as a high-priced backup to Michael Penix Jr. It’s the smart move in terms of cap management, and gives the team insurance at the game’s most important position.

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However, Cousins’ mere presence (and contact) could become a potential distraction this season. This issue was raised in a new ESPN feature breaking down the 32 NFL quarterback rooms.

“The bulk of the offseason has come and gone, and Cousins is still with the Falcons — even though they’ve openly said Penix will be the starter in his second season,” writes ESPN’s Dan Graziano. “Cousins is making $27.5 million this season (and has $10 million guaranteed in 2026) to be a backup.”

The piece goes on to highlight Atlanta’s difficult early season schedule as a reason for Penix to potentially struggle, which could create an awkward quarterback controversy if Cousins still on the roster.

“If Penix struggles early — four of Atlanta’s first five games are against 2024 playoff teams and three of the team’s first six are in prime time — it could be tempting to go back to the veteran Cousins even after he disappointed last season,” adds Graziano. “It’s the main reason the Falcons should have worked harder to unload Cousins this offseason.”

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Cousins attended mandatory minicamp last week and said he finally accepted his fate of being the backup quarterback in Atlanta.

“Obviously, I would love to play, but I’m not going to dwell on things that aren’t reality,” said Cousins. “That’s not the situation I am in. So, I think, it’s better to be focused on the situation I’m in.”

The 36-year-old seems to understand the importance of not being a distraction during Penix’s first season as the team’s starting quarterback.

“I am just here to support him as he needs it,” explained Cousins. “But, I also don’t need to be in his ear so much that I am another weight, another voice. I just want to be able to support as I can, and he knows that.”

This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons: ESPN predicts Kirk Cousins QB controversy in 2025