Kirk Cousins, a former Michigan State legend, is facing an uncertain future after being benched by the Atlanta Falcons this past week. The team’s decision is expected to lead to his release in the offseason. Cousins signed a massive $180 million contract with the Falcons last year, but it appears that trust issues may have contributed to his benching.
Cousins’ struggles began to surface when the Falcons drafted Michael Penix Jr. in the first round of the NFL Draft last April. Despite being 36 years old and recovering from an Achilles injury, Cousins was still considered a top free agent. However, his recent performance has raised questions about why he was given such a large contract.
In 14 starts this season, Cousins threw for 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions. However, over his last five starts, he posted only one touchdown and nine picks, which ultimately sealed his fate as a starting quarterback. Although he may still attract interest from other teams, it’s likely that Cousins will never land a full-time starting gig again.
A potential scenario for Cousins is signing with a team that drafts a quarterback and serving as a mentor and bridge quarterback before the rookie is ready. This move would allow him to remain relevant in the league while also giving young quarterbacks a chance to develop. With an impressive NFL career spanning over a decade, Cousins has established himself as one of the most experienced players in the game.
Source: https://www.si.com/college/michiganstate/football/michigan-state-legend-expected-to-be-cut-in-brutal-twist-01jfnqe6b654