when Kirk Cousins Signing his four-year, $180 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons in March, no one expected him to be benched before the end of his first season.
With Cousins benched for poor play and replaced by rookie Michael Penix Jr., the Falcons are now expected to release a quarterback after the season, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Cousins is due a $10 million roster bonus on March 17, and executives throughout the NFL expect Cousins to be released before then, according to the report.
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If The Falcons Cut Cousins before March 17th and save $10 million, he’s still on most of Cousins’ contract.
$100 million of Cousins’ $180 million contract is guaranteed. If the Falcons cut Cousins before next season, they will take a $65 million dead cap hit. According to Spotrac.
Cousins’ cap hit for next season would have been $40 million had he still been on the roster, but cutting him adds another $25 million to Cousins’ cap charge against the Falcons’ salary cap for next season.
Along with rookie Penix Jr New York Giants On Sunday, Cousins will be the most expensive pull quarterback in NFL history.
Cousins also has a no-trade clause, and is not expected to waive it, according to the report.
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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) throws the ball against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half at Allegiant Stadium. (Kirby Lee-Images)
The 36-year-old quarterback was reportedly disappointed that the Falcons took the quarterback with the eighth overall pick in last season’s draft, selecting Cousins’ eventual replacement over a player who could now help them win. could do
According to the report, Cousins’ frustration with how things were handled convinced executives that the quarterback would do the team no favors and waive his no-trade clause.
Cousins will be in a similar situation this offseason. Russell Wilson Last was the offseason, if he is in fact released.
Wilson was released. Denver Broncos Last offseason, the team is still paying him $53 million this season, per Spotrak.
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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) throws a pass against the Minnesota Vikings during the second quarter at US Bank Stadium. (Jeffrey Baker-Images)
Wilson signed a one-year, minor league veteran contract. Pittsburgh Steelers With the quarterback still being paid by the Broncos.
Cousins would be in a position to sign a major league veteran contract with another team like Wilson, while the Falcons are paying him not to play.
Through nine games, things were moving quickly for Cousins and the Falcons. The team was 6-3 and atop the NFC South.
The team is now 7-7 after losing four games and out of a playoff position. The Falcons beat the underdogs. Las Vegas Raiders Snapping the skid, 15-9, on Monday, but Cousins played poorly in the win, forcing head coach Raheem Morris to make a change.
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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) warms up before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. (Stephen R. Silvani-Amigan Images)
Cousins has completed 66.9% of his passes this season while throwing for 3,508 yards and 18 touchdowns while also throwing a league-high 16 interceptions.
In addition to throwing 16 interceptions, Cousins has 12 fumbles, the most ever. The NFL With Baker Mayfield.
In his last five games, Cousins has thrown just one touchdown with nine interceptions.
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