Kirk Cousins’ absence at the Atlanta Falcons' OTAs this week didn’t go unnoticed — and neither has the uncertainty surrounding his future.
The Falcons and Cousins are reportedly working toward a split, less than a year after the veteran quarterback signed a four-year, $180 million deal with $100 million guaranteed. With Cousins owed $1.52 million per week this season, the franchise is playing the waiting game, hoping a viable trade partner emerges before the deadline.
The Pittsburgh Steelers remain the only realistic option — and even that depends on Aaron Rodgers deciding to retire. Otherwise, as Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio put it, the Falcons’ best course of action is to keep Cousins off the field and out of rookie Michael Penix Jr.’s way.
As trade speculation builds, questions about Cousins’ long-term plans have followed.
In an exclusive interview with Sports Illustrated's Daniel Flick, the 36-year-old finally addressed the elephant in the room — retirement isn’t on his radar just yet.
"I've gone back several years now, I've kind of always taken the approach of one year at a time because I know how much one year in this league can change the conversation," Cousins said. "So, I just kind of go year-to-year, but sitting here after Year 13, I do still have a desire to play."
That desire may be tested in the months ahead. With his options narrowing, Cousins could be forced to wait until a starter elsewhere suffers an injury. Florio even noted the Minnesota Vikings would have likely tried to trade for Cousins last season following his Achilles injury, had someone like him been available.
Still, the veteran quarterback remains focused on what lies ahead — not how close he is to the end.
"I've probably been thinking about that for going back six, seven years now," Cousins added. "I think when you look back and see how long Tom Brady played, how long Drew Brees played, how long Brett Favre played, you see guys set a bar pretty high for what can be done.
"And it makes you wonder, 'Huh, I wonder if I'll be able to do that or if I want to do that.'"
For now, Cousins remains under contract — and in limbo. But if nothing else, he’s made one thing clear: he still wants to play.
