Disclaimer: The statements and opinions regarding players and/or potential future players in the article below are those of the AtlantaFalcons.com editorial staff and are not of the Atlanta Falcons' football personnel unless noted in a direct quote.
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Quarterback Kirk Cousins will reportedly be present for the start of the Atlanta Falcons' mandatory minicamp Tuesday.
The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported the expectation Monday, noting Cousins would otherwise be fined for every day that he misses.
Practices will be open to the media Tuesday and Wednesday, so confirmation will come soon enough in Atlanta.
The Falcons signed Cousins to a four-year deal worth up to $180 million last offseason in hopes the 36-year-old would be their starting quarterback for the near future. Instead, the Falcons had to accelerate their timeline for Michael Penix Jr., who Atlanta drafted with the No. 8 overall pick last year. Cousins was benched in Week 16, leaving Penix to start the final three games of the 2024 season.
Since then, the Falcons have maintained that Penix will be their starter in 2025, along with the fact that they're comfortable with Cousins as the backup. Head coach Raheem Morris said on April 1, however, that Cousins has made it clear he'd like the opportunity to be a starter elsewhere, meaning a trade.
"Really, nothing's changed with that," Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot said on April 26. "Just like on any player: If we get a call, we'll discuss it. If it makes sense and it's going to help this team, we'll do it. If not, we won't."
