Falcons To Cut Kirk Cousins?

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Post on Dec 22, 2024

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Falcons To Cut Kirk Cousins? Unlikely, But Intriguing

The rumor mill is churning, whispering about the possibility of the Atlanta Falcons releasing veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. While the likelihood of this happening is low, the scenario presents a fascinating discussion point for NFL fans and analysts alike. Let's delve into the factors that make this a highly improbable, yet intriguing, possibility.

Why Cutting Cousins is Unlikely

Several key reasons strongly suggest that the Atlanta Falcons are unlikely to cut Kirk Cousins:

• Contractual Obligations: Cousins' contract likely carries a significant dead cap hit if released. Teams are extremely hesitant to absorb such substantial financial penalties, especially for a player who, despite his inconsistencies, still offers starting-caliber quarterback play. The Falcons would need a compelling reason to justify such a massive financial burden.

• Lack of a Clear Replacement: The Falcons' current quarterback depth chart doesn't boast a clear, ready-made replacement for Cousins. Releasing him would leave a massive void at the most critical position on the field. Unless they plan to aggressively pursue a high-profile free agent or draft a quarterback early, this move would be highly risky.

• Potential for Improvement: While Cousins hasn't reached the elite levels some predicted, he's still a capable NFL starter. With the right supporting cast and coaching, he could improve his performance. The Falcons' investment in him suggests a belief in his potential to contribute positively to the team's success.

• Trade More Likely Than Release: Should the Falcons want to move on from Cousins, a trade would be far more sensible. A trade allows them to recoup some assets, minimizing the financial loss compared to a straight release. They would still need to find a team willing to take on his contract, however.

The Intriguing Aspects

Despite the low probability, the possibility of the Falcons cutting Cousins presents some interesting considerations:

• Salary Cap Maneuvering: While unlikely, releasing Cousins could offer significant salary cap relief. This newfound flexibility could allow the Falcons to aggressively pursue other free agents or improve their roster in other areas. This would be a risky gamble, though, potentially jeopardizing the team's immediate competitive standing.

• A Sign of Larger Changes: The mere discussion of releasing Cousins hints at potential larger changes within the Falcons' organization. It could signal a shift in the franchise's overall direction, potentially indicating a complete rebuild or a drastic change in offensive philosophy.

• A Low-Risk, High-Reward Gamble (for another team): For another team with a stronger supporting cast and a more suitable scheme, acquiring Cousins at a reduced price could be a low-risk, high-reward proposition. This presents a scenario where the Falcons' potential mistake becomes another team's advantage.

Conclusion: More Smoke Than Fire

In conclusion, while the idea of the Atlanta Falcons cutting Kirk Cousins makes for an intriguing headline, the reality suggests this is highly improbable. The financial implications, lack of a suitable replacement, and the potential for improvement make a release far less likely than a trade or retaining him for another season. The discussion, however, highlights the complexities of NFL roster management and the constant balancing act between short-term gain and long-term stability. Keep an eye on the Falcons' actions throughout the off-season, but don't expect to see Cousins' release anytime soon.