Former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins‘ final chance with the Atlanta Falcons is here — but it likely matters little for Atlanta long-term.
Cousins, 37, has a potential out in his contract that will make moving on from him easier for Atlanta to stomach after they signed him to a four-year, $190 million contract in 2024.
The four-time Pro Bowl quarterback started hot with a 6-3 record in his first nine starts before suffering a shoulder and elbow injury. He hasn’t looked the same since.
Atlanta lost four straight before benching Cousins for Michael Penix Jr., accelerating their development of the 2024 first-round pick.
Pivoting to Penix hasn’t gone particularly well for the Falcons, who are 4-8 with Penix under center.
Last week, Penix suffered what could prove to be a season-ending left knee injury. He was placed on injured reserve, requiring him to sit out at least the next four games.
ESPN’s Raimondi detailed the implications of what could be Cousins’ final audition in the NFL.
Ex-Vikings QB Kirk Cousins Facing Career-Defining Audition With Falcons
After Penix took over late last season, Cousins was expected to be traded or released in the spring.
However, after investing $90 million guaranteed into Cousins for the first two years of his contract, Falcons owner Arthur Blank had other ideas.
“Cousins preferred to be a starter elsewhere and campaigned for a release with owner Arthur Blank. But the Falcons said all along they were comfortable with bringing back Cousins as a backup, despite the considerable price tag,” Raimondi wrote.
While the contract was a questionable move by Atlanta, holding onto their investment in Cousins proved necessary, especially with Penix’s injury history.
Penix is facing what could be the fifth season-ending injury in the past eight years for the 25-year-old quarterback.
“He suffered season-ending ACL tears in his right knee during his college career in 2018 and 2020 and still plays with a large brace on that knee. He also suffered season-ending shoulder injuries in 2019 and 2021,” The Athletic’s Josh Kendall reported.
The Falcons are dealing with a worst-case scenario as both of their investments at quarterback have struggled with injuries.
Outside of winning out and clinching a playoff berth with Cousins, the Falcons (3-7) appear poised to part ways with Cousins this upcoming offseason with less guaranteed money sunk into the remainder of his contract.
Whether Cousins would sign on to be a backup elsewhere in the offseason remains to be seen. But if he can return to his starting form in the final stretch of the season, he could find himself again atop the quarterback free agency in the spring.
“Will the 37-year-old be able to lift Atlanta? It could be an audition for Cousins, who is likely to be released in the offseason,” Raimondi wrote.
However, if Cousins does not fare well, his lack of prospects finding a starting job could lead to thoughts of retirement.
Kirk Cousins Could Remedy Vikings QB Crisis
Through five starts, J.J. McCarthy has shown that his development with the Vikings is going to take time.
However, the Vikings have a ready-to-win roster and did not insulate the quarterback room with enough talent to lead the team to victory when McCarthy was out with an ankle injury.
Carson Wentz was not the answer, and the Vikings may need to bring in a more talented veteran who is willing to serve as backup.
Cousins could be open to that possibility if he does not find a starting job in free agency.
Other viable options include Marcus Mariota, Tyrod Taylor, Jimmy Garoppolo or Gardner Minshew.
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