Kirk Cousins goes from $180 million contract to benched
Kirk Cousins #18 of the Atlanta Falcons throws a pass against the Minnesota Vikings during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 08, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. ((Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images))
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - The Atlanta Falcons are 7-7 and fighting for their playoff lives with three regular season games to play, and made a big chance Tuesday night that had some Vikings’ fans laughing, and others in shock.
The team announced it would be starting rookie Michael Penix Jr. for the remainder of the season. That means Cousins is heading to the bench.
What happened?
Why it matters: Cousins left the Vikings in free agency to sign a four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons, with $100 million guaranteed. He hit Drake London for a touchdown Monday night. Prior to that, Cousins had gone four straight games without a passing touchdown, and had eight interceptions over that span. He threw four interceptions against the L.A. Chargers, and had two in his return to Minneapolis.
Draft night drama?
What we know: Cousins signed with the Falcons under the assumption he would be the starting quarterback for at least the 2024 season, if not longer. They then made a stunning move, drafting Penix No. 8 overall after he led Washington to the national title game. The move caught Cousins and his agent by surprise.
In 14 starts this season, Cousins is completing 67 percent of his passes for 3,508 yards, but has just 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. Sam Darnold has 29 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 14 starts with the Vikings, who are 12-2 and control their own destiny to win the NFC North.
The contract
By the numbers: Cousins is under contract with the Falcons for four years and up to $180 million. That in and of itself is an expensive benching. If the Falcons were to cut him before the start of the 2025 league year in March, they would be on the hook for $65 million in dead money. If they were to find a trade partner, the acquiring team would take on $27.5 million, and they would be responsible for $37.5 million.
Cousins has a no-trade clause in is contract, which he would have to waive. The Falcons are paying him $90 million guaranteed this season for 14 starts.
The Source
Adam Schefter of ESPN, and Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network first reported the Cousins’ benching Tuesday night. The Falcons also issued a team statement.