Kirk Cousins Expected at Falcons Minicamp Amid Trade Rumors
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins is set to attend the team’s mandatory minicamp, which kicked off on June 10, 2025, despite his ongoing desire to be traded to a team where he can reclaim a starting role, according to a report by The Athletic’s Dianna Russini. The news comes as no surprise, given the hefty fines—potentially over $104,000—for skipping the two-day mandatory session. But with trade talks stalling and the Falcons committed to second-year QB Michael Penix Jr. as their starter, Cousins’ future in Atlanta remains a hot topic.
Russini reported on June 9, 2025, via X, that the Falcons fully expected Cousins to show up for minicamp, despite his absence from voluntary OTAs in late May and early June. “His preference is still to be traded to a team where he could start,” Russini noted, highlighting the 36-year-old’s frustration with his backup role behind Penix. Cousins, who signed a four-year, $180 million contract with Atlanta in March 2024, was benched after 14 starts last season, throwing for 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns, and a league-high 16 interceptions. The Falcons’ decision to draft Penix eighth overall in 2024 blindsided Cousins, leading to his demotion and fueling his trade request.
Cousins’ no-trade clause gives him significant control, allowing him to veto any deal to a team he doesn’t see as a fit. Earlier this offseason, potential suitors like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns, and Minnesota Vikings were floated, but the market has dried up. Pittsburgh signed Aaron Rodgers, Cleveland bolstered its QB room with rookies, and the Vikings are moving forward with J.J. McCarthy. A trade to a division rival like the New Orleans Saints, who need a QB after Derek Carr’s retirement, seems unlikely. Russini’s report underscores that no clear trade partner has emerged, leaving Cousins in limbo.
At minicamp, Cousins was front and center, sitting in the front row during head coach Raheem Morris’ team meeting, per Morris’ comments to The Athletic. The coach downplayed any locker room tension, praising Cousins’ character and insisting the situation is “less dramatic” inside the building than it appears to fans. Still, Cousins’ $27.5 million guaranteed salary for 2025 and $40 million cap hit make him the NFL’s priciest backup, complicating trade talks. The Falcons have reportedly asked interested teams to absorb a chunk of his $37.5 million in remaining guarantees, a tough sell for most clubs.
On X, sentiment reflects the awkwardness of Cousins’ situation. Some fans call him “underappreciated” and argue he’s a better option than other starters, while others see him as stuck, with one post joking about a hypothetical trade to Miami if Tua Tagovailoa goes down. For now, Cousins is focusing on what he can control, telling reporters at minicamp, “I’m not going to dwell on things that aren’t reality.” He’s preparing to be Penix’s backup but admitted he’ll stay ready in case a starting gig opens elsewhere.
The Falcons seem content to keep Cousins as insurance for Penix, who has an injury history from college. With no trade imminent and the 2025 season looming, Cousins’ minicamp attendance is a pragmatic move, but his heart is clearly set on starting again. Will a team’s QB injury or a surprise deal give him that shot? For now, Atlanta’s QB saga rolls on.