Kirk Cousins is set to be the most expensive backup quarterback in the NFL.
There are ever-present rumors that the Falcons could trade him instead of pay him a ton to sit behind second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
And earlier this week, Sports Illustrated asked Cousins if he'd consider retiring rather than deal with all of this.
"I've gone back several years now, I've kind of always taken the approach of one year at a time because I know how much one year in this league can change the conversation," Cousins said. "So, I just kind of go year-to-year, but sitting here after Year 13, I do still have a desire to play."
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Cousins has a spot already, too. He can certainly just stay in Atlanta and help mentor Penix, and be ready if anything goes wrong.
A rough 2024 with a league-worst 16 interceptions really soured people on Cousins. It's been especially tough for him after a late-career torn Achilles.
Penix likely won't be giving up the job with the Falcons voluntarily, so Cousins could seek a trade. Given his contract, though, that's not the easiest thing to get done.
Cousins and the Falcons might just be stuck, unless Cousins pivots and decides to step away from the game he loves. But right now, that doesn't sound like a possibility.
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