The Atlanta Falcons kicked off their offseason training activities (OTAs) this week amidst notable absences. Quarterback Kirk Cousins and tight end Kyle Pitts were both missing from the practices, raising questions about their immediate futures with the team. While Cousins contemplates his next move amid potential trades, Pitts is focused on proving himself in a crucial season, entering the final year of his rookie contract.
| Article Subheadings |
|---|
| 1) Kirk Cousins’ Trade Situation |
| 2) Financial Hurdles for a Trade |
| 3) Possible Trade Destinations |
| 4) Kyle Pitts’ Performance Under Pressure |
| 5) The Significance of the Upcoming Season |
Kirk Cousins’ Trade Situation
Quarterback Kirk Cousins‘ situation has become a hot topic since he was absent from the Falcons’ voluntary OTAs. Signed to a four-year, $180 million extension just 15 months ago, Cousins was perceived to be the team’s lead quarterback until the emergence of Michael Penix Jr.. Despite attending some offseason practices, his recent absence has sparked discussions about potential trades and his future with the team. Currently, the 36-year-old quarterback is assessing his options as he awaits a trade partner.
Cousins, who finished his season with a 7-7 record as the starter, averaged 250.6 passing yards per game, throwing 18 touchdowns, but also tied for the league lead with 16 interceptions. This performance raises questions about his fit within the team and whether he will remain in a backup role alongside Penix. The Falcons’ management appears to be committed to Penix, leaving Cousins to ponder his future in a competitive quarterback landscape.
Financial Hurdles for a Trade
One of the significant hurdles in Cousins’ potential trade is the financial aspect of his contract. With a total of $37.5 million in guarantees remaining, any team interested in acquiring him would need to negotiate how much of that salary the Falcons would be willing to absorb. Reports indicate that the Falcons have asked interested teams to take on $20 million of that guaranteed amount, which has deterred other teams from making an offer.
These financial concerns complicate potential trades, as fewer teams can afford to take on such a hefty salary during a pivotal offseason. This situation puts additional pressure on the Falcons to either find a team willing to make the trade or devise a plan to facilitate Cousins’ role within the organization moving forward.
Possible Trade Destinations
When discussing where Cousins might land, options seem limited. The New Orleans Saints might be looking for a fresh starting quarterback following the retirement of Derek Carr. However, trading him to a division rival would likely be unappealing for the Falcons. The Cleveland Browns once appeared to be a potential destination due to head coach Kevin Stefanski‘s familiarity with Cousins. Yet, with their recent acquisitions and a now-crowded quarterback room, it would be surprising for the Browns to relinquish any draft capital for him.
Another team worth watching is the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are in a precarious position with their current quarterback options. Media outlets have reported that Cousins is on the Steelers’ radar, suggesting that interest might be growing on their end. In an era where many teams are aggressively scouting for quarterback talent, Cousins remains a viable candidate; however, competition for his services is fierce.
Kyle Pitts’ Performance Under Pressure
In contrast to Cousins, tight end Kyle Pitts enters a critical year as he navigates through his final season under his rookie contract. Set to make $10,878,000 on his fifth-year option, there is speculation surrounding his absence from OTAs. While generally, absent players in a contract year raise red flags about possible negotiations, reports indicate that Pitts is managing a foot issue rather than seeking an extension.
Pitts had a challenging last season, averaging only 2.8 receptions and 35.4 receiving yards per game, marking a significant drop from his extraordinary rookie year. Despite catching a career-high four touchdowns last season, his overall production fell short of expectations, ranking 13th among all tight ends in receiving yards. Despite these challenges, Pitts is still viewed as a key asset for the Falcons as they look to bolster their offensive strategy.
The Significance of the Upcoming Season
The 2025 season holds immense importance for both Cousins and Pitts. For Cousins, the prospect of being traded presents challenges beyond just financial ones; he must rediscover his form while adapting to a new team’s system if he does find a new home. For Pitts, the combination of entering a contract year while recovering from injury places additional pressure to perform at a high level to secure a long-term deal with the Falcons—or elsewhere.
Thus, how each player approaches the upcoming season will not only shape their careers but also influence the overall dynamics of the Falcons’ roster. All eyes will be on them in the coming months as they grapple with personal and professional hurdles, determining their futures in Atlanta and beyond.
| No. | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | Kirk Cousins is absent from voluntary OTAs, raising questions about his trade prospects. |
| 2 | Cousins’ contractual obligations complicate potential trades due to his high guaranteed salary. |
| 3 | The New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers may be potential trade destinations for Cousins. |
| 4 | Kyle Pitts is facing pressure in a contract year, recovering from an injury while aiming to improve performance. |
| 5 | The upcoming season is crucial for both players, affecting their careers and the Falcons’ strategy. |
Summary
The absence of Kirk Cousins and Kyle Pitts from the Falcons’ OTAs highlights significant crossroads for both players. While Cousins faces uncertainty related to his future in Atlanta and trade rumors swirl, Pitts is under pressure to demonstrate his value in a contract year. As the season approaches, the focus shifts to how both players will navigate their respective challenges, influencing not only their futures but also the trajectory of the Falcons as they prepare for the 2025 season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Why is Kirk Cousins absent from OTAs?
Kirk Cousins is absent from OTAs as he contemplates his future with the team amid trade discussions, marking a notable shift after previously attending some offseason sessions.
Question: What is the current contract status of Kyle Pitts?
Kyle Pitts is entering the final year of his rookie contract, set to make $10,878,000 on his fifth-year option. His absence from OTAs has been attributed to a foot issue rather than contract negotiations.
Question: Which teams might be interested in trading for Kirk Cousins?
Potential trade destinations for Kirk Cousins include the New Orleans Saints and the Pittsburgh Steelers, although financial complications may inhibit any movement.
