Falcons QB Kirk Cousins absent from voluntary OTAs

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins was absent from practice at voluntary organized team activities on Tuesday.

“I did not see him today,” Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said. “He did not show up in the meetings, so I did not see him today.”

Cousins, who turns 37 in mid-August, has been visible at the team’s offseason workouts prior to Tuesday.

The Falcons reportedly are open to listening to trade offers for Cousins, who would have to waive his no-trade clause.

While Cousins is holding out hope for a starter’s role with another team, the Falcons likely are waiting until after June 1 to trade the quarterback. Should that be the case, the team will be on the hook for a $12.5 million dead cap charge.

Atlanta signed Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract with $100 million guaranteed before the 2024 season, then selected Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick in the draft.

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

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

Cousins threw for 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions in 14 starts last season.

–Field Level Media