In January, Falcons General Manager Terry Fontenot expressed confidence in Kirk Cousins serving as the backup quarterback for the 2025 season. He reiterated this sentiment during the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Tuesday.

Cousins is set to earn a guaranteed salary of $27.5 million in the upcoming season and holds a no-trade clause, which could necessitate the Falcons releasing him before $10 million of his 2026 salary becomes fully guaranteed at the start of the new league year. Without Cousins waiving his trade protections and the Falcons securing a suitable trade partner, it presents challenges for the team to consider alternative options this offseason. Fontenot emphasized Cousins’ ability to adjust well after being benched last season.

“Kirk managed that situation remarkably well towards the end of the season,” Fontenot stated. “He is undeniably a talented player and a wonderful person. He successfully navigated that role during the concluding games.”

Recently, Cousins stated his primary focus is on recovery, addressing right shoulder and elbow injuries that arose in Week 10. Fontenot confirmed that Cousins appeared on the injury report during Week 11, noting the team has yet to receive updates on any ongoing health issues while reiterating that the choice to appoint Michael Penix as the starter was purely performance-based.

Future decisions regarding Cousins will carry both financial and on-field implications. However, for the time being, the Falcons are committed to maintaining the current situation.