The New York Giants’ quest for a starting quarterback hit a roadblock today as the Atlanta Falcons confirmed they will keep veteran Kirk Cousins on the roster through March 15. This decision, which triggers a $10 million bonus, means that Cousins will remain behind Michael Penix Jr. on the depth chart for now, dashing any hopes the Giants had of securing him in a trade.
The Giants had been actively exploring quarterback options, with Cousins appearing to be a prime target due to his past success under Falcons’ head coach Kevin Stefanski. Cousins, who has been linked to the Giants due to his proven track record and leadership skills, was considered a potential answer to New York’s quarterback dilemma. But with the Falcons’ decision to hold onto him, the Giants’ search becomes even more challenging, as they look to secure a reliable starter before the season begins.
Cousins, entering his 37th year, remains a polarizing figure. Despite some struggles last season, especially following an Achilles injury, his experience and ability to lead could have been a game-changer for the Giants. However, with the Falcons unwilling to part ways with him unless they receive a substantial financial package, the Giants’ hopes for an easy acquisition have been dashed for now.
The move leaves New York with limited options as other teams have already signed key quarterbacks like Sam Darnold and Justin Fields. With uncertainty surrounding top targets like Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson, the Giants are now scrambling to explore backup plans like Joe Flacco and Jameis Winston. The missed opportunity to acquire Cousins, once a realistic possibility, adds more pressure on the front office to find a viable solution before the start of the season.
The Falcons, for now, seem content with holding onto Cousins and will wait for the right offer to come along, leaving the Giants to reconsider their strategy. Whether the Giants will push for a trade later in the offseason remains to be seen, but for now, they’ve lost out on a significant opportunity in their search for a starting quarterback.
