There will be plenty of speculation and theorizing about what the Falcons can or will or should do with quarterback Kirk Cousins. Cousins will have a say in the situation, too.

If the Falcons would like to line up a trade that would entail Atlanta paying all or most of his salary for 2025, Cousins could put the kibosh on it by refusing to waive his no-trade clause.

Before Cousins figures out how to approach his next NFL season, Cousins will take a full month away from football. The goal will be to physically and mentally reset after a long year of rehab, change, challenge, and turmoil.

The Falcons owe him $27.5 million next year. It’s fully guaranteed. Another $10 million in 2026 compensation becomes fully guaranteed in March 2025.

Given the guaranteed pay, retirement seems unlikely. The question is whether he stays in Atlanta as the No. 2, goes to another team via trade, or is released and re-signs elsewhere.