Despite Michael Penix Jr. being declared the starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons in 2025, much of the focus still remains on Kirk Cousins.
Cousins’ future continues to be a hot topic around the NFL. For now, he remains in Atlanta as QB2 behind Penix, but signs suggest that may not be for long.
According to NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe, Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said that Cousins was not present as the team began OTAs on Tuesday.
“Primary focus on starting QB Michael Penix Jr., who Morris says is doing well in process of finding his voice as a leader of offense,” Morris told Wolfe.
It’s unclear how to interpret Cousins’ absence. But it could mean a few things.
One possibility is that Cousins is frustrated — the soon-to-be 37-year-old has made it clear he wants to be a starting quarterback again. Another is that trade talks may be progressing behind the scenes.
The newest team being linked to Cousins? The Pittsburgh Steelers.
“I had some conversations with people this week that led me to believe that Cousins is at the very least on the Steelers’ radar, if something were to fall through on Rodgers,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported.
The Steelers have been waiting on Aaron Rodgers all offseason. But with his commitment still in question, Pittsburgh may be preparing to pivot.
For what it’s worth, Cousins wasn’t the only notable absence from Day 1 of Falcons OTAs. Tight end Kyle Pitts, wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud, linebacker Troy Andersen, linebacker Bralen Trice and defensive lineman Morgan Fox, and offensive tackle Kaleb McGary were also not in attendance, according to Terrin Waack.
