Atlanta Falcons General Manager Terry Fontenot faced the media on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2025, days after the team lost its final game with a chance to go to the NFL playoffs.
Fontenot was asked several wide-ranging questions about the future of the franchise, which went 8-9 over season, dropping six of its last eight games.
“We understand that we let the fans down and we didn’t do enough this year and it’s disappointing. We know they deserve better,” Fontenot said at the Falcons training facility at Flowery Branch. “There’s no words I can say right now, it’s all about the results.”
Fontenot Plans To Keep Cousins As Backup QB
One of the more hot-topic questions was what he felt about Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins, who Fontenot signed for $180 million over four years.
“We are very comfortable with Kirk as the backup,” Fontenot said.
He went on to say that he would begin evaluating the assistant and position coaches “today” and that everyone would be looked at. “We’re doing everything we can this offseason to put us in position next year to win more football games and put this team in position to be a consistent winner.”
Cousins’ contract has become a sore spot for Atlanta fans and those who want the team to build from the draft and free agency.
Kirk Cousins’ Falcons Contract: A Breakdown
Kirk Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons on March 11, 2024.
The key details of the contract include:
- Guaranteed Money: $100 million guaranteed, with a $50 million signing bonus.
- 2024 Salary: Fully guaranteed.
- 2025 Salary: Fully guaranteed at $27.5 million.
- 2026 and 2027 Roster Bonuses: $10 million due on the 5th day of the league year for each respective year.
In the 2024 season, Cousins was benched in favor of rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. after a series of underwhelming performances.
Despite this, Fontenot, has expressed comfort in retaining Cousins as a high-paid backup for the 2025 season.
Releasing Cousins before his $10 million roster bonus is due on March 12, 2025, would result in significant financial implications for the Falcons. A post-June 1 release designation could spread the cap hit over two years, potentially easing the financial burden.
As of now, the Falcons are adhering to their original plan with Cousins, keeping him under contract while exploring all available options
Head Coach Raheem Morris told fans the previous week that he was big enough to take the heat for the team’s failure to make the playoffs.
“Guys who fear failure never have success. I’m not gonna be considered that guy…,” he said. “I’ve got big shoulders. I can take the criticism. It’s fair criticism. I apologize to our fans for not getting it done, but I promise we’ll get it done soon.”