Former Vikings QB Kirk Cousins Receives Ominous Offseason Prediction

The Minnesota Vikings took a $28.5 million dead cap hit by letting Kirk Cousins leave during the 2024 offseason. Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons in free agency, but is in a situation he tried avoiding with the Vikings.

The Falcons benched him for rookie Michael Penix Jr., leaving the veteran in limbo. Atlanta could release Cousins, allowing him to select a new team in free agency this offseason.

However, The 33rd Team’s Marcus Mosher predicts Cousins will remain the Falcons’ QB2.

The Falcons are still the most likely destination for Cousins,” Mosher wrote on February 18. “The Falcons would not save any money by releasing Cousins outright this offseason, but they would still take on a $40 million dead cap hit if designated a post-June 1 cut.”

“It makes more sense to release him during the 2026 offseason when they could release him (post-June 1) and save $45 million against the cap with just $12.5 million in dead cap.”

Cousins threw for 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions on 66.9% completion in 2024.

He started the season strong, leading the Falcons to a 6-3 record. But he went 1-4, including a four-game losing streak before the Falcons benched him.

“The Falcons could trade Cousins and save some cap space, but it seems unlikely that anyone would do that,” Mosher wrote. “Expect Cousins to be in Atlanta next year despite being the most expensive backup in the NFL.”