Falcons' QB Chaos: Kirk Cousins on the Chopping Block?!

The Atlanta Falcons are facing some tough decisions as training camp looms, and the future of quarterback Kirk Cousins is at the center of it all. Despite being a major acquisition just last year, Cousins's position with the team seems increasingly precarious.

Cousins' Uncertain Future: Trade or Cut?

Reports suggest that the Falcons were actively exploring trade options for Cousins during the spring and early summer. However, interest from potential suitors appears to have cooled off. According to Jacob Infante of Pro Football Network, the Falcons might even consider cutting Cousins if a trade doesn't materialize.

“Realistically, a Kirk Cousins trade might be more realistic for the Atlanta Falcons, seeing as though cutting him would actually cost them $10 million this year,” Infante wrote. “He’s more of a trade candidate than a cut candidate, but if it reaches the point where Cousins refuses to suit up for Atlanta, they could have a tough choice to make.”

Cutting Cousins would create a significant dead cap hit of $50 million, forcing the team to free up additional cap space by releasing or restructuring other players. This financial burden makes a trade the more appealing option, but finding a willing trade partner has proven difficult.

Rookie QB Shines, Veteran on the Sidelines?

Adding fuel to the fire, wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud has voiced strong support for rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr., even predicting a Super Bowl run with Penix at the helm. This public endorsement of the rookie suggests a potential shift in the Falcons' quarterback strategy.

“Boy, I’m excited, and I’m not gonna be surprised by any of it,” McCloud said. “I’ve watched [Penix] every day for the last year at practice, and I’m just ready to see him go into an experienced year, a polished year, and see how it goes — go all the way to the Super Bowl.”

Koo Faces Competition: Special Teams Shakeup

The quarterback situation isn't the only area of change for the Falcons. Kicker Younghoe Koo faces competition for the first time in five seasons, with the team signing Lenny Krieg. Koo, who missed nine field goals last season, will need to prove his worth to retain his position.

What's Next for Cousins and the Falcons?

The Falcons' willingness to keep Cousins as a backup indicates they aren't desperate to offload him for a minimal return. However, if a contending team faces a quarterback injury during the season, Atlanta might be willing to trade him for the right price. The more likely scenario is that the Falcons keep Cousins through the season and release him next year, avoiding eating a significant portion of his salary.