Falcons To Release Kirk Cousins?

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Post on Dec 22, 2024

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Falcons to Release 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 an intriguing discussion point for NFL fans and analysts alike. Let's delve into the facts, the speculation, and the potential ramifications.

Why the Rumors?

The genesis of these rumors likely stems from a combination of factors:

• Falcons' Cap Situation: The Falcons, despite their recent resurgence, are facing a tight salary cap situation. Cousins' contract carries a significant cap hit, making him a potential target for salary cap relief. However, releasing him would also incur a substantial dead cap charge, mitigating the immediate benefits.

• Desmond Ridder's Development: The Falcons' investment in Desmond Ridder, their 2022 third-round pick, is a key element. Ridder showed flashes of potential in his limited playing time last season, raising the question of whether he's ready to take the reins as the team's starting quarterback.

• The allure of a fresh start: A change at quarterback could represent a fresh start for the Falcons, particularly if they believe Ridder can be their long-term solution.

The Case Against a Release

Despite the above factors, a number of compelling arguments exist against the Falcons releasing Cousins:

• Cousins' Production: While not a flashy, highlight-reel quarterback, Cousins is a consistently reliable passer. He provides a steady presence under center, and releasing him would leave a significant hole in the Falcons' offensive strategy.

• Dead Cap Hit: Releasing Cousins would result in a substantial dead cap charge, negating much of the immediate salary cap savings. This financial penalty would likely outweigh the perceived benefits.

• Lack of a Clear Replacement: The Falcons don't have a proven backup quarterback ready to step into a starting role. Releasing Cousins without a suitable replacement would significantly weaken their chances of playoff contention.

More Realistic Scenarios

Instead of a release, more realistic scenarios include:

• Contract Restructuring: The Falcons could negotiate a contract restructuring with Cousins to lower his cap hit for the upcoming season. This would involve converting some of his salary into signing bonus, spreading the cap hit over future years.

• Trade: While less likely than a restructuring, a trade remains a possibility. A team in need of a veteran quarterback might be willing to take on Cousins' contract in exchange for draft picks or other assets.

• Keeping the Status Quo: The most probable scenario is the Falcons keeping Cousins for at least the 2024 season, allowing Ridder to continue developing and potentially taking over at a later stage.

Conclusion

The idea of the Falcons releasing Kirk Cousins is a captivating, if improbable, prospect. While the team's cap situation and Ridder's development are valid points of consideration, the financial implications of a release and the lack of a clear replacement make it an unlikely event. Contract restructuring or a trade appear to be much more realistic paths forward for the Falcons as they navigate their quarterback situation. The coming months will reveal the team's ultimate decision, but for now, the rumor remains just that – a rumor.