Individuals within the Atlanta Falcons clearly want it known that they have no plan to release wantaway quarterback Kirk Cousins before his money for 2026 vests this coming Monday, even though 2024 first-round draft pick Michael Penix Jr.

The Falcons have an upcoming deadline in the Kirk Cousins contract. They don't seem to be worried about it. They have good reason not to worry. He's not owed an extra $10 million on the fifth day of the 2025 league year.

The Atlanta Falcons find themselves navigating a quarterback conundrum that few could have predicted just months ago. Behind closed doors at team headquarters, tough conversations are happening about the future of their $180 million investment who now watches games from the sideline,