Falcons QB Kirk CousinsMichael Owens/Getty Images
Quarterbacks always draw attention in the offseason because there aren’t enough starting-caliber signal-callers to go around. Coming off of a Pro Bowl season, Sam Darnold figures to be the top quarterback on the free agent market. Russell Wilson and Justin Fields could also be viewed as potential starting options by QB-needy teams.
Like Adams, though, a couple of quarterbacks could end up hitting the market and skewing how teams view the positional landscape. Rodgers is one of them.
According to Glazer, Rodgers will become available, possibly with a post-June 1 designation.
“Rodgers flew back to New Jersey last week to meet with the Jets about his future with the team, only to be told that the team was moving on from him.”
Releasing Rodgers with a post-June 1 designation would save $9.5 million in 2025 cap space, That feels like the most likely outcome, though New York could still pivot until that move is made official.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins, now projected to be the backup to 2024 first-round pick Michael Penix Jr., could also become available. Releasing him with a post-June 1 designation would trigger a $40 million dead-cap hit and save no 2025 cap space. Atlanta’s only viable alternative, however, might be paying Cousins $40 million to provide depth in 2025.
The Falcons would avoid a $10 million roster bonus by releasing Cousins before March 17. A trade would be more beneficial for the franchises, though it’s also unlikely, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport:
“Hard to imagine, with Cousins having a no-trade clause and preferring to be cut.”
Neither Rodgers nor Cousins should be viewed as a long-term solution. However. either veteran could be an intriguing bridge option for a team that isn’t sold on its other QB options—if they become available.
The Jets’ decision appears to be coming soon. The Falcons theoretically, could continue pondering their options through March 16.
Prediction: Rodgers and Cousins both become free agents
*Cap and contract information via Spotrac.
Read the full article here