Open Nav
Players
    Articles
      Shark Bites
        Show Navigation
        Show Menu
        FANTASY FOOTBALL NEWS

        Falcons Keeping Kirk Cousins Mistake in the Building?

        By Matt Schauf | Updated on Thu, Mar 13 2025 1:42 PM UTC
        Kirk Cousins Headshot

        We all assumed the Falcons would unload QB Kirk Cousins in some way this offseason. They committed to then rookie Michael Penix Jr. at the end of last year. So why keep the huge contract around, especially for a guy who hasn't had to play backup since 2014? But Yahoo's Charles Robinson says he believes Cousins might stay in Atlanta.

        What They're Saying

        Robinson: "I thought the Falcons were bluffing about keeping Kirk Cousins. I don’t think that anymore. They’re going to roll right through the Sunday deadline to lock in another $10 million in 2026 guaranteed salary and see where this goes. Either he’s a pricey backup or a trade candidate."

        2025 Fantasy Football Impact

        There's no way for Atlanta to unload Cousins without eating a bunch of guaranteed money/cap space from his ridiculous contract. But this Sunday's deadline could have saved the team some cash.

        It appears the team would rather see if it can still squeeze some value out rather than save that money, though.

        I'm sure the Falcons would still jump at a worthwhile trade, but we'll have to wait to see if anything arises on that front.

        Otherwise, we might just be looking at a backup QB with a $40 million cap hit for 2025.

        The dead-cap numbers come way down on Cousins' remaining years beyond this season.

        Other Winners & Losers

        Atlanta's other offensive skill-position guys would win for Cousins remaining stuck on the roster.

        Sure, he stunk as a starting QB last year. But he'd still be one of the best backups in the league.

        Best Ball Impact

        There shouldn't be much impact if Cousins does stay with the Falcons. He's barely getting drafted by current best ball ADP. But it's probably worth skipping even minimal shares of Cousins in current drafting.

        Guys around him such as Russell Wilson, Daniel Jones, and rookie Jaxson Dart look like better plays.

        And don't let the Cousins situation affect your outlook for Penix. He's the guy for Atlanta.

        Matt Schauf Author Image
        Matt Schauf, Editor
        Matt has earned two Fantasy Pros accuracy awards for IDP rankings and won thousands of dollars as a player across best ball, dynasty, and high-stakes fantasy formats. He has been creating fantasy football content for more than 20 years, with work featured by Sporting News, Rotoworld, Athlon, Sirius XM, and others. He's been with Draft Sharks since 2011.
        Draft Strategy Guide: Design Update Test

        Draft Strategy Guide: Design Update Test

        5:36pm UTC 6/18/25

        Ashton Jeanty projects as the RB1 in 2025. But is he an elite dynasty prospect? Let's dig into his film and profile to find out.

        Read More »
        Devy Rankings 2025: Find the Next Superstar

        Devy Rankings 2025: Find the Next Superstar

        8:45pm UTC 6/13/25

        Think your dynasty league prep is complete? Devy rankings take it a step further, helping you scout future NFL stars before they ever hit a rookie draft.

        Read More »
        Video: Superflex Mock Draft Shows You How to Target QBs

        Video: Superflex Mock Draft Shows You How to Target QBs

        12:51pm UTC 6/13/25

        Does Patrick Mahomes belong in the top tier of QBs? This superflex mock draft explores Mahomes' value and upside, plus LOTS more players and strategies.

        Read More »
        Compare Plans » Compare Plans »