Kirk Cousins made a surprising appearance at the Atlanta Falcons\' voluntary offseason program on Monday, despite previous indications he would not attend, sources confirmed to ESPN.
The 36-year-old quarterback\'s attendance comes amid an unresolved situation regarding his future with the team. Cousins lost his starting job in Week 16 last season to then-rookie Michael Penix Jr., whom Atlanta has designated as their quarterback of the present and future. The Falcons are reportedly comfortable with Cousins as Penix\'s backup, but Cousins is seeking a release to pursue starting opportunities elsewhere in 2025.
Financial considerations complicate the situation, as Atlanta owes Cousins a guaranteed $27.5 million this season. The veteran quarterback also possesses a no-trade clause, giving him approval rights over any potential deal. While the Falcons would consider trading Cousins if another team assumes part of his guaranteed money (which includes a $10 million roster bonus in 2026), no such arrangement has materialized.
Cousins\' appearance at voluntary workouts comes just one day after Atlanta signed quarterback Easton Stick, who served as the third-string option for the Los Angeles Chargers last season behind Justin Herbert and former Falcons quarterback Taylor Heinicke.
The Falcons signed Cousins to a $100 million guaranteed contract last offseason before surprisingly drafting Penix with the eight overall pick. Cousins led Atlanta to a promising 6-3 start before struggling through a five-game stretch with nine interceptions and just one touchdown pass, ultimately leading to his benching as the team finished 8-9 and missed the playoffs.
\"I\'m not going to be foolish to think that he\'s going to show up for voluntary work,\" Raheem Morris said at last month\'s NFL league meeting. \"Right now, we\'re dealing with a businesslike mode. ... I don\'t think he\'ll be there. If he is, we\'ll welcome him with open arms.\"