Ian Rapoport offers insights into the Atlanta Falcons’ options regarding quarterback Kirk Cousins following his benching.

As supported by multiple reports, Rapoport indicates that the most probable outcome is for the Falcons to release Cousins.

Rapoport explains that a release would be the best scenario for Cousins, granting him the freedom to choose his next team. With a no-trade clause in place, Cousins can compel the Falcons to release him, especially before a $10 million roster bonus becomes guaranteed in March 2025.

If released, Cousins can sign with another team for the veteran minimum, while the Falcons will be responsible for the remaining $27.5 million of his base salary for the upcoming year.

Interestingly, Rapoport mentions that the Falcons have not entirely dismissed the idea of retaining Cousins as a backup next season. While unconventional, it aligns with the unpredictable nature of this situation. Furthermore, the rookie contract of first-round QB Michael Penix Jr. offers some salary cap flexibility for Atlanta.

Additionally, Rapoport notes that Cousins might contemplate retirement after the season, but the financial implications of such a decision will weigh heavily on him. He recently stated that he “didn’t forget how to play football,” indicating a strong desire to showcase his skills on a new team.

Notably, Rapoport highlighted that a trade is the least likely scenario, as Cousins is unlikely to waive his no-trade clause, and the $10 million guarantee for 2026 is a liability neither the Falcons nor potential trade partners would want to assume.

At 36, Cousins was originally selected as a fourth-round pick by Washington in 2012. After completing his rookie contract, he was franchise-tagged in consecutive seasons.

Cousins then transitioned to the Vikings on a three-year, $84 million deal. In 2020, he signed a two-year, $66 million contract extension, followed by a one-year, $35 million extension in 2021, which was also fully guaranteed.

Now, in the concluding year of that deal in 2023, he was exploring the free market when he joined the Falcons on a four-year, $180 million contract, which included $100 million guaranteed.

This season, Cousins has appeared in 14 games with the Falcons, completing 66.9% of his passes for 3,508 yards, alongside 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions.

Stay tuned for more updates on Cousins as the situation unfolds.