Falcons Release Kirk Cousins? Unlikely, But a Fascinating What-If
The rumor mill is churning, and whispers of the Atlanta Falcons releasing quarterback Kirk Cousins are circulating. While highly improbable, the scenario presents a fascinating discussion point for NFL fans and fantasy football enthusiasts alike. Let's delve into the likelihood, the potential fallout, and the intriguing possibilities if this unexpected event were to actually happen.
Why Releasing Kirk Cousins is Unlikely
Several factors make a Kirk Cousins release by the Falcons extremely unlikely:
-
Contractual Obligations: Cousins likely has a substantial contract with significant guaranteed money. Releasing him would represent a massive financial burden for the Falcons, impacting their salary cap significantly. Teams rarely release players with such large guaranteed contracts unless there are extreme circumstances.
-
Performance: While not a top-tier quarterback, Cousins has consistently delivered solid performances. He's not a game-changer, but he provides reliable leadership and avoids catastrophic turnovers. His consistency, while perhaps not flashy, makes him a valuable asset to any team.
-
Team Needs: The Falcons are in a rebuilding phase. While they might look to upgrade at quarterback eventually, releasing Cousins and starting over would likely hinder their progress. Cousins provides a solid foundation, allowing the team to develop other areas of their roster.
What If It Happened? The Ripple Effects
If, against all odds, the Falcons did release Cousins, the NFL landscape would shift dramatically:
-
Teams Scramble: Several teams in need of a capable quarterback would immediately enter the bidding. Teams like the Raiders, Colts, and even the Commanders (his former team) could be interested, creating a competitive quarterback market.
-
Salary Cap Impact for the Falcons: The Falcons would suddenly find themselves with a substantial amount of cap space, but it would come at a cost. They'd need to carefully allocate those resources, potentially focusing on a significant overhaul of their offensive or defensive line.
-
Cousins' New Team: His destination would heavily depend on the team's needs and their willingness to absorb his contract. He would be a highly sought-after commodity, given his experience and relative consistency.
-
Falcons' Quarterback Situation: The Falcons would be thrust into a quarterback competition, likely involving a young, unproven player or a veteran backup. This would significantly delay their progress in the rebuild.
Fantasy Football Implications
If the unthinkable occurred, Kirk Cousins' landing spot would be a significant talking point in fantasy football leagues. His value would depend on his new team's offensive scheme and supporting cast. A move to a team with a strong offensive line and receiving corps could dramatically elevate his fantasy potential.
Conclusion: A Low Probability Event with High Impact
The release of Kirk Cousins by the Atlanta Falcons remains a highly unlikely scenario. The financial implications and the overall impact on the team's trajectory make such a move extremely risky. However, considering the ripple effects โ both on the field and in fantasy leagues โ the possibility is undeniably intriguing and deserves discussion. The NFL is always full of surprises, but this particular surprise seems far-fetched. While unlikely, the "what-if" scenario certainly keeps us on the edge of our seats.