Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Kirk Cousins Absent from Atlanta Falcons’ Voluntary OTAs

Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Kirk Cousins was benched by the Atlanta Falcons last season in 2024-2025, in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. The Falcons decided to the bench Cousins after he played 14 games as a starter, and he led the team to a 7-7 record during that period. Cousins is pushing to be a starting quarterback in the NFL for the 2025 season, and the fact that Falcons’ head coach, Raheem Morris declared earlier, that they intend to start Penix jr., doesn’t help Cousins’ case. After signing a four-year, $180 million contract, Cousins has been vocal about his desire to leave Atlanta, even meeting with the owner Arthur Black to request a release. But, the Falcons declined to comment on that saying they’ll do what’s best for the team. Cousins’ situation makes him a potential trade target for teams needing a veteran quarterback, and recently, the Pittsburgh Steelers have emerged as one of the destinations for Cousins.

The Steelers’ are on the market for the hunt of a starting level quarterback, and even though there’s been a lot of talk about Aaron Rodgers landing at Pittsburgh for the 2025 season, he has continued to delay his decision and might even consider retiring from the NFL. So, the Steelers have Cousins on their radar, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. A trade for Cousins could work both ways, as Cousins wants to start for a team, and the Steelers need a more reliable QB1 option than rookie Will Howard, Skylar Thompson, and Mason Rudolph.

Also Read: Buffalo Bills Favored To Win All 17 Regular Season Games in the 2025–26 NFL Season

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Cousins Skips Falcons’ Voluntary OTAs

Cousins was absent from the Atlanta Falcons’ first voluntary organized team activities (OTAs) on Tuesday, as confirmed by head coach Raheem Morris, who noted that he didn’t see the quarterback inside the facility. Whereas, offensive coordinator Zac Robinson earlier said Cousins had only been present a few times. With Penix Jr. firmly established as Atlanta’s starter, Cousins has made it clear that he wants to start elsewhere, but the Falcons are not moved, and are comfortable retaining him as the backup option due to his $27.5 million guaranteed salary for 2025.

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A trade remains possible for now, but any team, like the Steelers, would need to take on part of Cousins’ guaranteed money, and his no-trade clause means he must approve any deal. His absence from OTAs doesn’t carry any penalties, but he’s required to attend the minicamp, which is mandatory, on 10th and 11th of June.

Also Read: Steelers’ 2025 QB Strategy- Rodgers as Plan A, Cousins as Plan B

If Pittsburgh’s, pursuit of Rodgers, plan fails, Cousins could be one of the key targets, though his his salary cap and the current contract with the Falcons, will present a lot of difficulties for any potential deals to come.

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I cover the National Football League and things cannot get better than that. I always dreamed to play football or basketball professionally since I’m built like a Running Back. But now that I can’t, since I’m technically in the “Unc” age, I thought why not pick a career in sports industry? So here I am, doing what I love, and hoping that the Commanders win the Super Bowl. I give love to players when it’s due, but can be critical about their performances at the same time. Enough about me, now let my articles do all the talking.