Kirk Cousins Leads Dramatic Comeback Against Buccaneers
The Atlanta Falcons pulled off an impressive comeback against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday Night Football, overcoming a daunting 28-14 deficit in the fourth quarter to secure a thrilling 29-28 victory. The win was marred by a staggering 19 penalties committed by Atlanta, yet the performance of Kirk Cousins stood out as a pivotal factor in the game.
Cousins Shines Under Pressure
Cousins completed 30 of 44 passes for 373 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing his ability to make crucial plays down the stretch. Remarkably, 217 of those passing yards came in the second half, where he demonstrated poise and precision under pressure. The quarterback’s performance has not only elevated the Falcons’ chances this season but also complicated the front office’s plans moving forward.
“He’s got his confidence back. He feels a lot better, playing a lot better, playing a lot faster,” said Falcons head coach Raheem Morris. “Second year in the system for him, he looks good, and I’m extremely proud of him.” This sentiment reflects a broader trend in Cousins’ performance; through four unexpected starts this season following the injury to Michael Penix Jr., he has averaged 242 yards per game, with six touchdowns to three interceptions, marking a notable resurgence in his career.
Navigating Contract Complexities
Despite his recent success, Cousins’ future with the Falcons remains uncertain. Signed to a four-year, $180 million contract in 2024, the deal was structured with a guaranteed commitment for two years, providing the team an out option before the 2026 season. Given the recent injury to Penix and the uncertainty surrounding his recovery, the Falcons may now find themselves reevaluating their strategy regarding Cousins.
For the Falcons, the financial implications are complicated. Cousins carries a $57.5 million cap hit for both 2026 and 2027. If the team releases him pre-June 1st, they would incur a dead cap hit of $35 million but save $22.5 million. Conversely, a post-June 1st release would lead to a more staggered dead cap hit—$22.5 million in 2026 and $12.5 million in 2027—allowing for potential savings of $35 million.
Future Options for the Falcons
As the front office weighs its options, three pathways emerge: they could honor the existing contract, negotiate a restructured deal, or move on from Cousins altogether. Previously viewed as a likely candidate for release, Cousins’ recent performances have muddied those waters significantly. The veteran quarterback demonstrated that he still possesses the skills necessary to lead a competitive offense, raising questions about the wisdom of parting ways with him.
Retaining Cousins could afford the Falcons the luxury of a gradual recovery for Penix, who is navigating the challenges of a third knee injury. Additionally, maintaining Cousins would eliminate the immediate need to seek a new free-agent quarterback, a move that might lead to settling for a less capable option.
Looking ahead, the Falcons could consider keeping Cousins through 2026 and reevaluate his status before the 2027 season. By then, the potential dead cap hit would drop to $12.5 million, allowing for significant cap relief if they choose to let him go.
Cousins’ Road Ahead
With several teams likely to pursue quarterbacks this offseason, Cousins’ performance will be under scrutiny in the remaining games of the season. Although he averaged a modest 198.3 yards per game prior to Thursday’s matchup, his display against the Buccaneers has revitalized discussions about his viability as a starter.
As the Falcons navigate a complex offseason, Cousins has three games left to solidify his future in Atlanta and prove that he can be part of the franchise’s long-term plans. With every throw, he inches closer to shaping the direction of the team’s quarterback situation, making the coming weeks critical for both his career and the Falcons’ aspirations.
