Falcons to Cut Kirk Cousins? Unlikely, But Intriguing
The question swirling around NFL circles: Could the Atlanta Falcons cut Kirk Cousins? While highly improbable, the sheer audacity of the idea makes it a compelling discussion point, especially considering the team's recent struggles and Cousins' hefty contract. Let's dive into the facts and explore the possibility, however remote.
Why the Cousins Cut is Unlikely
The Contractual Hurdle: Cousins' contract is a significant obstacle. Cutting him would leave the Falcons with a massive dead cap hit, severely impacting their salary cap flexibility and hindering their ability to build a competitive roster. Teams don't typically absorb such financial losses unless a player's performance is catastrophically poor, or there are serious off-field issues. Neither appears to be the case with Cousins.
Performance Considerations: While Cousins hasn't reached the elite quarterback status some predicted, he's still a competent NFL starter. He's shown the ability to manage games and make key throws. Releasing him without a clear upgrade in place would be a risky move for a team aiming to contend.
Potential Trade Scenarios: A more realistic scenario than a straight cut involves exploring trade options. A team needing a reliable veteran quarterback might be willing to take on some of Cousins' contract in exchange for draft picks or other assets. This allows the Falcons to mitigate the financial impact while still moving on from Cousins.
Why the Speculation Exists
Falcons' Recent Struggles: The Falcons' disappointing season has fueled speculation about major roster changes. A change at quarterback is a natural focus of this speculation, especially given the significant investment in Cousins.
Need for a Rebuild: The Falcons might be contemplating a full-scale rebuild. If this is the case, cutting ties with a high-priced veteran like Cousins could be a part of a larger strategy to clear salary cap space and acquire more draft capital to build a younger roster.
Emergence of Younger Talent: The performance of younger quarterbacks in the league might be influencing the Falcons' thinking. Seeing success from quarterbacks drafted later and developing into stars could lead the team to reconsider their commitment to a high-priced veteran.
The Bottom Line
While the idea of the Falcons cutting Kirk Cousins is a captivating headline, it remains incredibly unlikely. The financial implications are too severe to make it a realistic option. A trade is a more probable outcome if the Falcons decide to move on from Cousins. However, the speculation highlights the pressure on the team to improve and the ongoing scrutiny of Cousins' performance and contract. Keep an eye on the Falcons' moves in the offseason; while cutting Cousins is a long shot, surprising decisions are not unprecedented in the NFL.
