Kirk Cousins might've played his way back into the Atlanta Falcons' good graces in Week 15, but it doesn't change the fact his time in Atlanta is in jeopardy. If he isn't cut this offseason, the 37-year-old will be paid $57.5 million in 2026 and 2027 as the highest-paid backup quarterback in the NFL.
Naturally, cutting Cousins rather than paying him $60 million per season through his age-39 season is an obvious way for the Falcons to recoup financial flexibility to pay their young stars contract extensions. But the longer he stays with the Dirty Birds, the more likely he is to be traded.