Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank has always been a man who knows when to listen rather than just talk, and that quality was on full display during his recent conversation with quarterback Kirk Cousins. While attending the NFL owners' meetings, Blank shed some light on an in-depth discussion he had with Cousins—a conversation that spanned an entire hour. And if there was any doubt about how seriously he took the call, Blank revealed an interesting detail: he took five full pages of notes. Yes, five pages!
"It could not have been a more cordial and respectful conversation," Blank shared, emphasizing the positive tone of their exchange. More importantly, the conversation seemed to bring much-needed clarity for both sides as they navigate a complicated situation involving Cousins' future with the Falcons.
The Bigger Picture: A Future Beyond Cousins?
One major takeaway from the conversation was Cousins' understanding of where the Falcons stand as an organization. "He also understood where we were as a team and as a franchise," Blank stated. That understanding is crucial because, as much as Cousins is a talented quarterback, the reality is that the Falcons have their eyes set on the future—a future that likely revolves around rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
Cousins, at 36 years old, is set to earn a $27.5 million base salary in 2025. That price tag is far from ideal for a backup quarterback in the NFL. With Penix Jr. viewed as the Falcons' long-term option under center, the question isn't so much whether Cousins will be the starter, but rather how the Falcons will handle his transition out of the team.
Trade Talk: Where Could Cousins Land?
One of the most intriguing possibilities in this ongoing saga is a potential trade. The Cleveland Browns have been a rumored destination for Cousins, and if the Falcons can work out a deal, it could be the best-case scenario for both parties. However, there's a significant roadblock—Cousins' no-trade clause. Reports suggest that he will waive it after the 2025 NFL Draft, which means the Falcons may need to be patient.
But what if a trade doesn't materialize? That puts Atlanta in a tight spot. The team would gain nothing by releasing him outright, and keeping a high-priced backup quarterback isn't exactly an ideal scenario. That leaves them with one viable option: sit tight and hope a deal comes together before the start of the season.
A Backup Plan That Isn’t So Bad
While it may not be what either party envisioned, Blank remains pragmatic about the possibility of keeping Cousins around. "If he ends up being our backup quarterback, we'll have the best in the league, which is always a good thing," he said. And he isn't wrong. Having a seasoned veteran like Cousins on the roster could serve as a valuable insurance policy, particularly in a league where injuries can derail a team's season in an instant.
Moving Forward: The Falcons' Strategy
The ideal outcome for the Falcons would be finding a suitable trade partner willing to take on Cousins' contract. But even if that doesn't happen, Atlanta isn't necessarily in a terrible position.
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If a trade happens: The Falcons clear up cap space and fully transition to Michael Penix Jr.
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If no trade materializes: They keep a high-quality backup who can step in if needed.
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If a last-minute opportunity arises: Atlanta has leverage and can negotiate the best possible deal.
Blank's approach to this situation has been one of patience and careful calculation. While it may not be an ideal scenario for Cousins, the Falcons, or even the fans, it does provide options rather than forcing a rash decision.
Final Thoughts
One thing is clear—the conversation between Arthur Blank and Kirk Cousins wasn’t just a casual chat. It was a deep, detailed discussion that laid the groundwork for what’s to come. Whether that means an eventual trade, a surprising retention, or another twist altogether, one thing is certain: Blank is playing the long game, and he's doing it with clarity, patience, and a keen understanding of the bigger picture.
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, all eyes will be on the Falcons to see how this quarterback conundrum unfolds. And with Blank at the helm, you can bet that whatever happens next will be the result of a well-thought-out plan.
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