Context:

Kirk Cousins, the Atlanta Falcons quarterback, is participating in mandatory minicamp despite requesting a trade earlier in the offseason. Cousins lost his starting position to rookie Michael Penix Jr. last season and faces uncertainty about his role in the team's future. Despite his demotion, Cousins remains under a four-year, $180 million contract, raising questions about the Falcons' quarterback strategy for 2025. Cousins expresses readiness to compete and contribute to the team, emphasizing a focus on team growth and improvement. The Falcons consider trading him due to his substantial salary, but no moves have been made yet, leaving Cousins' future with the team uncertain.

Dive Deeper:

• Kirk Cousins requested a trade during the offseason but is attending the Falcons' mandatory minicamp, indicating a willingness to remain with the team despite losing his starting job to Michael Penix Jr. last season.

• Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons but was benched in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. towards the end of the 2024 season, leading to speculation about the team's quarterback plans for 2025.

• Head coach Raheem Morris's decision to start Penix has raised questions about the trust in Cousins, who had a challenging season, leading the league in interceptions while throwing 18 touchdowns over 14 starts.

• Despite the setback, Cousins is focused on competing for the starting role again and contributing to the team's success, emphasizing the importance of team and quarterback room development in 2025.

• The Falcons are exploring the possibility of trading Cousins to alleviate his $27.5 million salary cap hit, but no trade has occurred, leaving Cousins' role on the team in limbo as the new season approaches.