The Falcoholic
The veteran quarterback may be sending a message with his absence from OTAs.
On Tuesday, OTAs for 20 more NFL teams began, signaling the start of the Third Phase of the NFL offseason program. The final five teams will begin their OTAs tomorrow, joining the teams who hired a new head coach this offseason whom began their sessions last week.
The Falcons wasted no time finding their way into the headlines Tuesday morning as the head coach Raheem Morris told reporters that veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins is not in attendance for the start of OTAs. This is yet another step in the direction Cousins has leaned into heavily since the start of the offseason, further hammering home his intention not to play in Atlanta during the 2025 season.
It should be noted that OTAs are voluntary, and the next mandatory event on the calendar is minicamp in June
As for another notable name, starting tight end Kyle Pitts was also nowhere to be seen as the team commenced practice, per Falcons team reporter Terrin Waack.
Cousins was benched in his first season as a member of the Falcons following a rough stretch in the latter half of the 2024 season. From Week 10-15, Cousins accumulated a nine interceptions thrown to just one touchdown pass, the latter which came in a close 15-9 victory over the Raiders in Week 15. However, he finished that game 112 passing yards and another pick.
The Falcons publicly committed to second-year Michael Penix Jr. following the season which has of course led to the current disgruntlement of Cousins. In the end, his absence isn’t all that surprising and I’m not entirely sure missing voluntary practices will move the needle all that much in the direction he desires. Still, it’s all the veteran can do to keep his desires obvious and on the table.
As for Pitts, it remains unknown why he isn’t attending OTAs. He’s currently entering the final year of his contract following the Falcons picking up his fifth-year option a year ago. As of now, he’s set to make $10.878 million in 2025.
Per Waack, other players such as newly-signed defensive tackle Morgan Fox, linebacker Troy Anderson, and wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III were also not in attendance on Tuesday.
