Falcons To Cut Cousins Before Bonus?

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Post on Dec 22, 2024

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Falcons To Cut Cousins Before Bonus? A Deep Dive into the Kirk Cousins Situation

The whispers are growing louder: will the Atlanta Falcons cut quarterback Kirk Cousins before his massive roster bonus is due? This isn't just idle speculation; the financial implications are significant, and the on-field performance questions loom large. Let's dissect the situation and explore the potential outcomes.

The Financial Incentive:

Cousins' contract includes a substantial roster bonus, reportedly in the tens of millions of dollars, due before a certain date (the exact date isn't publicly known). Cutting Cousins before this bonus triggers would save the Falcons a considerable amount of cap space. This would be a critical move for a team potentially looking to rebuild or make significant additions to other areas of their roster. Releasing him after the bonus would leave the Falcons significantly over the cap and severely hamper their ability to maneuver in free agency or make trades.

On-Field Performance and the Future:

Cousins' performance in 2023 (or previous seasons, depending on the context of the "whispers") has been a significant factor. If the Falcons' coaching staff believes Cousins isn't the long-term answer – perhaps due to inconsistent play, lack of playoff success, or a perceived mismatch with the offensive scheme – then releasing him pre-bonus becomes a more appealing, though risky, option. The team might be eyeing a younger quarterback in the draft or free agency, believing they can find a more cost-effective and potentially more dynamic player for the future.

Alternatives to Cutting Cousins:

The Falcons might explore other avenues before resorting to outright release. Restructuring Cousins' contract could free up cap space without releasing him. This involves converting some of his salary into a signing bonus, spreading the cap hit over multiple years. However, this often kicks the can down the road and might not provide enough immediate cap relief. A trade is another possibility, though finding a team willing to take on his contract and potentially underwhelming recent performance would be challenging.

The Risk Factor:

Cutting Cousins before his bonus carries significant risk. While the cap savings are undeniable, the Falcons would be left without a proven starting quarterback. They would need a contingency plan – potentially relying on a rookie, a backup currently on the roster, or making a last-minute trade for a veteran free agent – which could jeopardize the team's chances for immediate success and long-term stability. The risk of a subpar replacement would outweigh the financial benefits.

Conclusion:

The decision of whether or not to cut Kirk Cousins before his roster bonus is a complex one for the Atlanta Falcons. It hinges on a careful weighing of the financial advantages against the risks of losing a veteran quarterback and the uncertainty of finding a suitable replacement. Several factors – Cousins' 2023 performance, the availability of other quarterbacks, and the Falcons’ overall strategic direction – will ultimately determine the course of action. The coming weeks will be crucial in understanding the Falcons' plans and how they will approach this pivotal decision. This is a situation worth watching closely for NFL fans and fantasy football players alike.