Kirk Cousins: Why isn’t starting| Not starting| Agent| What is contract

Introduction

Kirk Cousins signed a massive four-year, $180 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons in March 2024, with $100 million guaranteed. Despite these expectations, the veteran quarterback was replaced mid-season by rookie Michael Penix Jr., sparking debates on why Cousins isn’t starting, how his agent was involved, and what his contract really entails.

In this extensive article, we explore:

• Why Cousins is not the Falcons’ starter in 2025

• The influence of his agent during the negotiations and aftermath

• Detailed breakdown of his contract terms

• Implications for his career and the Falcons’ roster

• Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why Isn’t Kirk Cousins Starting?

1.1 Performance Decline and Rookie Emergence

Cousins started the first 14 games of the 2024 season, posting 3,508 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, but also a career-worst 16 interceptions. A stretch of poor play—one touchdown and nine interceptions across five games—led to his benching.

Meanwhile, rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr., selected eighth overall, began three late-season starts and impressed the organization enough to be named the starter moving forward.

1.2 Team Strategy and Future Planning

Atlanta’s front office and coaching staff made it clear: Penix is seen as the future face of the franchise. General Manager Terry Fontenot stated the team is “very comfortable” keeping Cousins as a high-paid backup due to cap structure and contractual guarantees.

Falcons coach Raheem Morris echoed that sentiment, expecting Cousins to support the team and quarterback room, while noting the organization is open to trade discussions if a suitable opportunity arises.

2. The Agent’s Role: Negotiations & Reaction

Cousins’ agent, Mike McCartney, played a significant part both before and after the contract signing:

• Before the draft, neither Cousins nor McCartney expected the Falcons to draft a QB with a first-round pick immediately after signing him. The pick was described as a “big surprise,” and he was not informed until the Falcons were actually on the clock.

• In the Netflix series Quarterback, Cousins admitted feeling “a little bit misled” due to the pick, while also stating he’d learned you’re not entitled to anything and must earn your spot.

This reveals substantial disconnect in communication between Atlanta and Cousins’ representation, impacting both trust and expectations.

3. Understanding the Contract Details

3.1 Key Financial Terms

• Total Value: Four years, $180 million

• Guaranteed: $100 million

• Roster Bonus: $10 million for 2026 made guaranteed by Atlanta’s decision in March 2025. However, offset language may shift part/all of that bonus to a new team if Cousins is traded.

• 2025 Financials: $27.5 million in salary with a $40 million cap hit, plus a potential $75 million dead cap if released. These figures make cutting or trading him financially complex.

3.2 No-Trade Clause & Atlanta’s Stance

Cousins negotiated a no-trade clause, limiting the team’s ability to move him without consent. While he has expressed interest in seeking a starting role elsewhere—reportedly even willing to waive the clause to facilitate a move—Atlanta has not found a trade partner willing to absorb the financial burden yet.

4. Current Scenario & Future Outlook

As of mid-2025 season preparation:

• Cousins showed up at voluntary offseason workouts, surprising many, though his future remains uncertain.

• He was absent from OTAs, adding fuel to trade speculation. Coach Morris affirmed willingness to accommodate a trade if it benefits both sides.

• Meanwhile, Penix Jr. is firmly established as the starter, while backups such as Easton Stick remain on the depth chart.

A potential team like the Cleveland Browns—dealing with uncertainty at QB due to Deshaun Watson’s injury—has been mentioned as a possible destination, though no deal has materialized.

5. Summary Table: Why Cousins Isn’t Starting

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Why isn’t Kirk Cousins the Falcons’ starting quarterback in 2025?

A1: A combination of his performance dip, the internal emergence of rookie Michael Penix Jr., and strategic decisions by the team have led to Cousins being designated as backup. His hefty salary, guaranteed contract, and no-trade clause have also complicated any potential departure.

Q2: What did his agent say about the Falcons drafting a QB right after signing Cousins?

A2: Agent Mike McCartney was caught off guard by Atlanta drafting Penix and revealed they received no heads-up. Cousins called the pick a surprise and said it affected his view of going to Atlanta.

Q3: What are the key financial elements of Cousins’ contract?

A3:

• Four years, $180 million total

• $100 million guaranteed

• $10 million roster bonus for 2026, now guaranteed but can be offset if traded

• $27.5M salary in 2025, $40M cap hit, and up to $75M dead cap if released.

Q4: Is Cousins open to being traded despite the no-trade clause?

A4: Yes. Reports indicate that Cousins has expressed his desire to leave to pursue a starting role and may be open to waiving his no-trade clause to facilitate a move, but no trade has been finalized due to financial challenges.

Q5: What’s next for Kirk Cousins and the Falcons?

A5: Cousins attended voluntary workouts but skipped OTAs, emphasizing the tension still present. Atlanta is open to trade discussions if a financially viable offer comes through, but until then, Cousins remains the high-paid backup as Penix continues to grow into the starter role. Kirk Cousins not starting.

Conclusion

Kirk Cousins’ demotion from starter to backup with the Falcons is a complex intertwining of performance, financials, and strategic planning. His agent’s lack of prior knowledge about the drafting decision, combined with Cousins’ significant contract and internal team dynamics, have created a tense and uncertain environment.

Yet, with Penix Jr. leading and Atlanta managing cap resources, Cousins remains a backup—for now. A trade could be on the horizon, but only if the financial stars align.