Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins took a major step in deciding his future on Wednesday, meeting with Falcons owner Arthur Blank to discuss his potential future with the franchise.
Cousins said he wants to play on a team where he could start, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported.
Cousins, who inked a long-term four-year, $180 million deal with the Falcons last offseason, was benched late last year for first-round pick Michael Penix.
The once highly sought-after quarterback has since reportedly drawn interest from multiple teams despite his lackluster end to 2024.
However, Atlanta is not making any moves just yet.
According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, teams inquiring about Cousins have been informed by the Falcons that he is not going anywhere.
Russini added that Cousins is not expected to be cut — at least for now — and that no trade talks have been brought up.
During his meeting with Blank, Cousins reportedly laid out his priorities for choosing a new team.
The four-time Pro Bowler is placing a premium on the ability to return to starting games.
After spending six seasons with the Vikings, Cousins joined the Falcons in 2024, recording 18 passing touchdowns and a league-leading 16 interceptions with 3,508 yards through the air before sitting the last three games.
Atlanta went 7-7 with Cousins starting and finished 8-9, missing the playoffs for a seventh consecutive year.
Atlanta is seemingly poised to commit to Penix, who started three games and appeared in five.
Penix threw for 775 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions.
The University of Washington alum was stunningly drafted No. 8 overall despite Cousins already having been signed to a long-term deal several weeks earlier.
Cousins does not become a free agent until 2028.