THE Atlanta Falcons have reportedly decided on the way forward for $180 million quarterback Kirk Cousins.

The veteran, 36, endured a tricky first yr in Atlanta, going 7-7 earlier than being benched in Week 14 and throwing 16 interceptions.

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That was the joint-highest mark within the NFL – Baker Mayfield, who additionally threw 16 interceptions, performed three extra video games and in addition fired in 41 touchdowns to Cousins’ 18.

Cousins – who earns the identical annual wage as MVP candidates Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen – additionally posted his lowest QB score (88.6) since he was a backup himself with Washington in 2014.

However regardless of robust rumours in December that he can be reduce or could even retire, the Falcons aren’t desiring to launch him.

NFL Community insider Cameron Wolfe supplied an replace on the Falcons QB room – and said “the Michael Penix period has began.”

However that does not essentially imply that Cousins is out.

Wolfe mentioned: “I spoke to some key executives within the pre-game and the plan is for Michael Penix to be the beginning quarterback.

“Not solely subsequent season however for 10 years down the road ideally.

“They really feel like they received their man and yesterday was simply affirmation, he balled out.”

The Falcons misplaced 44-38 to the Carolina Panthers however Penix seemed good, throwing two touchdowns and for 312 yards, in addition to working in a rating of his personal.

Wolfe added: “However the subsequent query, what occurs to Kirk Cousins?

“He is below contract, he has some assured cash and from what I perceive the Falcons aren’t simply going to launch him.

“They’ll hear to groups with reference to commerce provides, however they wish to get one thing again from that deal.

“They’re prepared to carry him again as a backup quarterback if [a trade] does not occur.

“The Michael Penix period has began and we’ll see if a workforce this offseason is enthusiastic about buying and selling for Kirk Cousins.”

Releasing Cousins would have a a major affect on Atlanta’s wage cap.

NFL Wild Card Weekend schedule

Saturday, January 11:

• No. 5 Los Angeles Chargers at No. 4 Houston Texans, 4:30 pm ET (CBS, Paramount+)
• No. 6 Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 3 Baltimore Ravens, 8:00 pm ET (Prime Video)

Sunday, January 12:

• No. 7 Denver Broncos at No. 2 Buffalo Payments, 1:00 pm ET (CBS, Paramount+)
• No. 7 Inexperienced Bay Packers at No. 2 Philadelphia Eagles, 4:30 pm ET (Fox, Fox Deportes)
• No. 6 Washington Commanders at No. 3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 8:00 pm ET (NBC, Peacock, Universo)

Monday, January 13:

• No. 5 Minnesota Vikings at No. 4 Los Angeles Rams, 8:00 pm ET (ESPN, ABC)

Ought to they launch him earlier than March 16, they’d nonetheless owe him $27.5m in assured cash and carry a lifeless cap hit of $65m subsequent season.

If he stays on the roster previous March 16 one other $10m of bonus cash would additionally turn into absolutely assured.

Ought to they commerce him earlier than June 1, the lifeless cap hit can be diminished and will save at most $27.5m.

Head coach Raheem Morris spoke to Cousins on Monday.

Whereas he didn’t reveal particulars of the dialog, he did say: “Clearly, these issues will come up in these identical discussions.

“We’ll make a few of these selections, clearly, with him, due to his contract standing and all of the issues that he is speaking about.

“So, you simply by no means know, and I believe that is the a part of the method we’ll undergo proper now with him.”