During his NFL career as a member of the Washington Commanders, Minnesota Vikings, and Atlanta Falcons, Kirk Cousins has made more than $293 million. So, a recent report from The Athletic's Dianna Russini about Cousins planning to attend the Falcons' upcoming mandatory mini-camp this week shouldn't shock anyone.
The former Vikings quarterback is currently hoping to land with another team before the start of the 2025 season, as Atlanta is moving forward with Michael Penix Jr. as its starting signal-caller. Despite Cousins' desire to get out, he's also not going to let anyone take away the money that he and his agent have expertly negotiated.
If he were to skip the Falcons' mandatory mini-camp this week, the team would be required to fine the veteran quarterback. So, instead of giving up a decent chunk of change to prove a point, Cousins will be showing up to Atlanta's facilities this week, and there's a good chance that he'll only be in attendance to avoid getting fined.
Current best bet for former Minnesota Vikings QB Kirk Cousins is to remain with the Atlanta Falcons
Since becoming a full-time starter with Washington in 2015, Cousins has managed to avoid the No. 2 spot on a team's quarterback depth chart. But after struggling with the Falcons last season, the team would rather have him enter the 2025 campaign as their top backup behind Penix.
Whether Cousins likes it or not, remaining with Atlanta might actually be one of the best situations for him this year.
He's already familiar with the Falcons' offense, he's getting paid handsomely, his family likes the area, and given Penix's injury history in his college career, there's a pretty good chance that the former Vikings quarterback will get a chance to start at least a few games next season.
Cousins is currently scheduled to bring home $27.5 million in cash for the 2025 campaign, which is easily the highest for any backup in the NFL heading into next season. If he remains with Atlanta this year, there's a good chance they will release him next offseason, and he'll become a free agent once again.
So, all Cousins has to do is just grab a few dollar bills to wipe away his tears (a la Harry from "Dumb and Dumber") and think about the potential of hitting free agency again next offseason to fool a team into giving him a new lucrative contract one final time.