Falcons sticking with Kirk Cousins for now, plan to pay roster bonus: report

The Atlanta Falcons' GM expects to keep Kirk Cousins on the team in 2025 despite him being benched for Michael Penix Jr. last season.

Kirk Cousins' time with the Atlanta Falcons has not expired yet.

The Falcons intend to honor the quarterback's $10 million roster bonus, according to ESPN. The payment triggers if Cousins is on Atlanta's roster after 4 p.m. ET Saturday.

Cousins was benched ahead of Atlanta's Week 16 game against the New York Giants last season. 

The move came after Cousins struggled, throwing nine interceptions over a five-game stretch. In December, Falcons head coach Raheem Morris confirmed the team's plans for Michael Penix to be the "starting quarterback moving forward."

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins before a game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.  (Jeffrey Becker/Imagn Images)

Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million contract in March 2024. The deal included $90 million in guarantees and the $10 million roster bonus, which would be paid March 17. The team made the shocking decision to use the No. 8 pick in the NFL Draft on Michael Penix, just six weeks after committing to Cousins.

While the marriage between Cousins and the Falcons seemed destined for divorce, Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot said the organization was "comfortable" with the 36-year-old remaining with the team and backing up Penix.

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"We are very comfortable moving forward with (Cousins) as backup," Fontenot said in January. "Kirk is a great man, and he's been great support for Mike. We are very comfortable moving forward with him as the backup."

Atlanta Falcons quarterback