NFL insider: Kirk Cousins 'finished' after nightmare 18 months

Kirk Cousins may never again serve as a permanent NFL starter, according to league insiders after an 18-month stretch described as a nightmare for the Pro Bowl quarterback. The Athletic's James Palmer reported that some people around the league believe Cousins is essentially done, a conclusion that highlights continued uncertainty for a veteran who remains under contract with Atlanta.

Cousins joined the Falcons on a four-year, $180 million deal to be their starter, but Atlanta drafted Michael Penix Jr. No. 8 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft without consulting him. His run as Atlanta's top quarterback lasted 14 games, as the team went 7-7, before Penix was installed as the starter. Cousins has not played since being benched, while Penix did not lead Atlanta to the postseason but retained the starting job.

The heavy price tag on Cousins — nearly $13 million per start under a four-year, $180 million contract — has limited the market for a trade. By Week 3 of the current season, there had been little movement to acquire him, with executives citing the cost and questions about his current form as deterrents. Some observers note that, despite his past success in Washington and Minnesota, teams are cautious about taking on his remaining years and the large financial commitment.

Ultimately, Cousins’ NFL tenure could hinge on how the final chapters unfold. If he remains out of the lineup as a starter, analysts say his legacy may be defined by the paradox of a high-priced veteran whose potential value is tied more to name than immediate on-field impact. The Atlanta situation underscores a broader reality for players at the position: even proven passers can be sidelined by young talent, organizational decisions, and costly contracts, leaving a career path that some fear could end with him as one of the most-expensive backups in football history.