“We love Kirk. We love that he’s here,” Falcons assistant GM Kyle Smith said a few weeks ago. Even though that statement sounds like a warm hug, let’s not pretend it’s all roses. Atlanta anticipated having a reliable quarterback when they signed Kirk Cousins to a $100 million guaranteed contract last offseason. With strong numbers and an experienced presence, Cousins played the part through nine games in 2024. Then came the fall: a terrible four-game losing streak that ended Atlanta’s playoff aspirations with eight interceptions and zero touchdowns.

He was benched by the Falcons in Week 16 for rookie Michael Penix Jr., who is now the obvious ‘guy going forward.’ However, Atlanta did not fire Cousins. Rather, they committed to paying him through 2025 by accepting a $10 million roster bonus in March. And a no-trade clause and a fat $40 million cap hit complicate any potential moves. Now, looks like Cousins is making it clear that he does not want to ride the pine for $27.5 million this year; he wants to start elsewhere.

Without even entering the building, the $180 million player for the Atlanta Falcons is making headlines. As OTAs began on Tuesday, Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said, “He did not show up in the meetings, so I did not see him today.” Translation? Kirk Cousins fails to show up, and people are connecting the dots. On Instagram, NFL insider Adam Schefter confirmed Cousins’ absence from the team’s voluntary exercises. “Falcons QB Kirk Cousins is not in attendance today for the team’s voluntary OTAs.” ‘Voluntary’ being the keyword here. But questions are being raised in Atlanta since a seasoned quarterback is missing months after inking a huge contract.

Yes, the 36-year-old Cousins has been there for some of the offseason activities. But missing OTAs while rookie Michael Penix Jr. is being prepared to be the starting quarterback? That’s not insignificant. Though Cousins holds a no-trade clause, let’s not pretend the cap math doesn’t matter. He is owed $27.5 million next year with a $40 million cap hit. The Falcons would receive cap relief if they made the move after June 1st, and they might be able to persuade another team to take on $20 million of his remaining $37.5 million in guarantees. Although G.M. Terry Fontenot has not mentioned a precise price tag, whispers are growing louder.

Penix, Emory Jones, and Easton Stick are currently in the quarterback’s room behind Cousins. However, the optics tell the true story, not the depth chart. The OTA skip by cousins seems more like a planned signal than a scheduling conflict. And while Atlanta’s brass keeps publicly preaching patience, their actions hint at something else. They paid Cousins his $10 million roster bonus in March. They let him come into the building for a few spring workouts. But now he’s MIA. Voluntary or not, it sends a message—especially when you’re trying to rebuild a locker room culture around a rookie QB. So now we wait. And so does Pittsburgh.

Kirk Cousins rumored as Steelers’ backup target amid Aaron Rodgers’ standoff

If you think that the Aaron Rodgers-Steelers drama would come to an end this season, think again. While Ben Roethlisberger was struggling in 2021, many were already thinking of Rodgers in black and gold. Rodgers publicly teased Pittsburgh, complimenting everything from Pittsburgh Dad videos to Primanti Bros. sandwiches.

In 2025, Rodgers is officially available after being fired by the Jets’ new management. The Steelers have been circling, but no deal yet. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, “Aaron Rodgers is Plan A.” But time is running out. That’s where 13-year veteran Kirk Cousins comes into the picture. He is not a free agent but is unquestionably no longer a starter in Atlanta. If Rodgers falls through, Pittsburgh could call Atlanta and try to work something out for Cousins. The Falcons want draft picks and cap relief, and Cousins wants a starting gig.

But Rodgers, being Rodgers, has kept fans wondering. He denied visiting the Bears during a Q&A, but he made a reference to a “team playing in Chicago,” which fueled rumors of the Steelers’ ‘will-they-won’t-they’ drama. Tomlin’s patience is running thin. Cousins might not be the flashiest option, but he’s ready now. For Pittsburgh, it’s time to stop waiting and start playing.

All eyes are on Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin. The Rodgers saga is still technically alive, but this team isn’t built to wait for drama. It’s built to win. And with Kirk Cousins now sending subtle signals from Atlanta, the door is wide open. In a weird twist of fate, the Falcons’ OTA absence may be the Steelers’ clearest sign yet: Kirk is ready for his next chapter. And Pittsburgh? They might just be ready to write it.