Cousins has expressed a desire to find a starting role elsewhere after finishing last season as the backup to Michael Penix Jr.

However, the Falcons have been reluctant to trade him without getting a significant return. Atlanta signed Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract with $100 million guaranteed before the 2024 season, then selected Penix with the eighth overall pick in the draft.

The Falcons started last season 6-3, but a nosedive Cousins told NFL Network coincided with a shoulder injury prompted Atlanta coach Raheem Morris to turn the offense over to Penix with three games left in the regular season. Penix went 1-2.

Cousins, who turns 37 in mid-August, attended several of Atlanta’s voluntary organized team activities in late May though he did not practice.

Penix is the team’s No. 1 quarterback entering the new season. The Falcons also have Easton Stick and Emory Jones on their depth chart.

Cousins threw for 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns and a career-high 16 interceptions in 14 starts last season. The four-time Pro Bowl selection was a starter in Washington and Minnesota before joining Atlanta.

–Field Level Media