Cousins looked "out of gas" and seemed to have a "dead" arm as he tossed eight interceptions and zero touchdown passes over four consecutive losses.

Dec 8, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) celebrates running back Bijan Robinson's (7) touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings during the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins says shoulder and elbow injuries suffered in Atlanta's Week 10 loss to the Saints affected his play going forward, ultimately leading to his benching in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr.

The Steelers and Browns have both been linked with Cousins, who lost his starting job to 2024 first-round draft pick Michael Penix Jr.

Either way, the Falcons appear to be committed to Penix as their No. 1 QB going forward after he closed the regular season with three strong performances as the team’s starter, while Atlanta lost four of Cousins’ five final starts. The team could either trade or release Cousins, who also battled injuries last season.

“Spielman’s presence in the front office is sure to spark Kirk Cousins speculation,” ESPN’s Rich Cimini wrote on February 10. “As the Minnesota Vikings’ GM, Spielman signed Cousins to a huge free agent deal in 2018. Cousins, who enjoyed his most productive years in Minnesota, is likely to be cut or traded by the Atlanta Falcons in the coming weeks.

The admission culminated in a $250k team fine, $50k fine for GM Terry Fontenot, and the loss of a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. It was a tough pill to swallow, especially after the contract aged like milk.

Pro Football Focus' Mason Cameron suggested a new AFC team as a potential trade destination for Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins.