The Atlanta Falcons have been one of the most talked-about teams this offseason as they navigate what to do with Kirk Cousins. Despite now being the second-string quarterback, the Falcons chose not to move Cousins or offload his hefty contract \u2014 a decision that ESPN\u2019s Seth Walder believes was the right one.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Falcons are moving forward with Penix at quarterback but opted to keep Kirk Cousins on the roster past the fifth day of the league year, which triggered a full guarantee for his $10 million 2026 roster bonus,\u201d Walder wrote.<\/a> \u201cIt might have created an awkward situation, but it was the right call.\u201d<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n However, not everyone shares that sentiment. ATL All Day\u2019s Nick Halden hopes the Falcons can find a trade partner for Cousins to remove the distraction he believes the veteran quarterback brings.<\/p>\n \u201cIt will be interesting to see if any potential landing spots present themselves throughout the season. If this happens and Penix plays as expected, it wouldn’t be shocking to see the Falcons turn the page on a player who continues to invite drama that should already be behind the improving franchise,\u201d Halden wrote.<\/a><\/p>\n Halden is likely referring to how Cousins responded when asked whether he would have made the same decision in free agency had he known the Falcons planned to draft Michael Penix Jr.<\/p>\n \u201cCertainly, if I had that information around free agency, it would’ve affected my decision. I had no reason to leave Minnesota, with how much we loved it there, if both teams were going to be drafting a quarterback high. But I’ve also learned in 12 years in this league that you’re not entitled to anything \u2014 it’s all about earning your spot and proving yourself,\u201d Cousins said.<\/a><\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n