Good thing Michael Penix Jr. is playing on a rookie contract because Cousins will be expensive for the Falcons no matter where he plays.

As it turns out, the Atlanta Falcons are not yet ready to cut the cord entirely on Kirk Cousins. With Michael Penix Jr. the present and future of this franchise, the Dirty Birds are trying to create some leverage when it comes to their depreciated asset.

Linebacker JD Bertrand, a fifth-round pick, has played 131 snaps. Defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro, a second-round pick, has played 104. Defensive tackle Brandon Dorlus, a fourth-round pick, has played 19 and was inactive for the 12th time on Sunday.

If the Atlanta Falcons want to recoup something in an offseason trade for Kirk Cousins rather than simply release him after he was benched in favor of

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Daniel Oyefusi reported Thursday that one team's offseason evaluations at quarterback will include Atlanta Falcons signal caller Kirk Cousins.

While the Atlanta Falcons missed the playoffs, they have found their quarterback of the present and future in Michael Penix. But Penix’s emergence has left Kirk Cousins’ future with the Falcons hanging in the balance.

The Falcons are going to have a busy offseason building the team around their new franchise quarterback in Michael Penix Jr., but they’ll also have to make a decision on Kirk Cousins’ future.

The Results Weren't Good Enough'LANDOVER, Md. -- While Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins prepared for his second homecoming Sunday night against the Washington Commanders, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport shed light on a potential destination for Cousins's future.