Kirk Cousins Stuns NFL with Epic Performance
Kirk Cousins made a significant statement on Thursday night, showcasing his talents in an electrifying performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The veteran quarterback completed 30 of 44 passes, amassing 373 yards and throwing three touchdowns in a nail-biting 29-28 victory. His ability to deliver clutch throws, particularly in the second half where he racked up 217 yards, highlighted his determination to lead his team to victory.
Cousins’ Future with the Falcons
With this impressive outing, questions arise about Cousins’ future with the Atlanta Falcons. His resurgence late in the season opens the door for discussions about him potentially remaining in Atlanta for another year. Falcons head coach Raheem Morris expressed optimism regarding Cousins’ role moving forward, stating, “Everything’s on the table.” He emphasized the need for end-of-season conversations about the quarterback’s future, indicating that Cousins could be a candidate for the starting position in 2026.
The Falcons are also anticipating the return of Michael Penix Jr. next summer, ideally before the 2026 season kicks off. However, if Penix isn’t ready for Week 1, the Falcons will need to explore viable alternatives for the early part of the season. Should Cousins continue to perform well, he might emerge as the most favorable option, albeit a costly one.
Cousins’ Numbers and Impact
Since stepping into the starting role, Cousins has posted a 2-2 record while averaging 242 yards per game. While these numbers may not be groundbreaking, they reflect a notable improvement over the Falcons’ season average. Notably, Cousins has navigated these games without his top receiver, Drake London, who has yet to play in any of his starts.
Currently, Cousins remains under contract with Atlanta through the 2026 and 2027 seasons, carrying a hefty $57.5 million cap number each year. This financial burden could prompt the Falcons to consider their options as they approach March, when a $10 million roster bonus is due. The contract includes an ‘out’ clause, effectively making it a short-term deal with significant implications for the team’s future decisions.
Cousins’ Career Path and Resilience
Cousins’ journey has been marked by uncertainty, dating back to his high school days when he entered his senior year without a college scholarship. That experience of navigating doubt and adversity has shaped his professional career, which includes a stint in Washington where he became the first quarterback to play under consecutive franchise tags. His ability to leverage those situations led to a lucrative deal with Minnesota in 2018 and subsequent contracts in 2020 and 2022.
“I’ve played a lot of years on expiring contracts, probably more than most quarterbacks who have played a lot,” Cousins remarked, reflecting on his unique career trajectory. His perspective has been molded by both successes and setbacks, equipping him with the resilience to face whatever challenges lie ahead.
Coaching Perspective and Future Decisions
Morris, who has remained steadfast in his support of Cousins, noted, “Quite honestly, I never thought he wasn’t a valuable starting quarterback.” Despite a rough patch last season where Cousins struggled, leading to a shift in the starting lineup, Morris’ faith in his abilities suggests that the door is still ajar for Cousins to reclaim his spot as the team’s leader.
As the Falcons navigate their quarterback situation moving forward, Cousins’ recent performance may very well influence their strategy, as they weigh their options with Penix’s impending return. The future remains uncertain, but for now, Cousins has rekindled hope in Atlanta with his remarkable display against the Buccaneers.
