Atlanta, GA

Report: Some NFL Execs Not Buying Falcons Releasing Kirk Cousins

Published

10 months ago

March 2, 2025

Report: Some NFL Execs Not Buying Falcons Releasing Kirk Cousins

The clock is ticking for the Atlanta Falcons to make a decision on the future of quarterback Kirk Cousins, who’s expected to be released or traded this offseason.

But Atlanta’s decision may not be as imminent as expected.

ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported Sunday that Cousins’s $10 million roster bonus, which hits if he’s still employed by the Falcons on March 17, isn’t a factor in Atlanta’s timetable to part ways with the 36-year-old passer.

The Falcons paid Cousins some $62.5 million in 2024, and he will earn $27.5 million guaranteed in 2025, regardless of how many snaps he plays. As such, Graziano said if Atlanta believes Cousins has a legitimate trade mark, the additional $10 million won’t impact the team’s decision.

But Graziano added the “odds are more stronger” the Falcons won’t find a big market for Cousins and will release him “at some point soon.”

Cousins signed a four-year contract worth up to $180 million last March. He played only 14 games during the 2024 season, completing 66.9% of his passes for 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions.

Over his final five starts, Cousins threw only one touchdown and nine interceptions while the Falcons went just 1-4. He later said he suffered right elbow and right shoulder injuries in a Week 10 loss to the New Orleans Saints, which started his slid.

Atlanta replaced Cousins with first-round rookie Michael Penix Jr., who went 58-for-100 passing for 737 yards, three touchdowns, three interceptions and one rushing score as a starter. The Falcons went 1-2 during Penix’s starts, though both losses came in overtime when Atlanta’s defense allowed touchdowns on the first drive of the extra period.

So, what’s next for Cousins? Graziano believes the New York Giants would have interest in Cousins “once he’s released … and is available on a veteran minimum deal” due to the lofty salary he’ll receive from Atlanta.

Fellow ESPN reporter Jeremy Fowler pitched the Cleveland Browns as an option, and Cousins, who spent multiple seasons with Browns coach Kevin Stefanski in Minnesota and will be cheap for whoever signs him, makes sense.

But Fowler also said, surprisingly, “not every team official” has bought into the idea Atlanta will outright release Cousins, even with his financial situation.

Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot and head coach Raheem Morris have held their cards close to their chest, and their final decision may not be truly known until the team announces it — which is expected to occur within the next two weeks.

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Atlanta, GA

Starters Braves Have on Their Radar, Top Prospects in Play

Published

1 hour ago

December 14, 2025

Press Room

Starters Braves Have on Their Radar, Top Prospects in Play

The Atlanta Braves have locked down two free agents. One bolstered the bullpen while the other diversified their options on the offense. Now, from what we’re hearing, the attention has turned to fortifying the rotation.

We are gaining an idea of who the Braves are targeting on the starting pitching market. Framber Valdez and Michael King appear to be the top two free-agent options they’re taking a look at, per source. The goal would be to land one of the two. How far along any potential talks are or if they’re currently talking at all is unclear. We just know now that these two are preferred targets.

Previous reports said that the Mets and Giants had previously chatted with Valdez. King is on the radar of the Tigers and Cubs. There are contenders in play for these same guys.

Signing a free agent is their plan A for acquiring starting pitching depth. What we are hearing confirms the willingness to cough up a draft pick to make a big signing. Both have a qualifying offer attached to them.

That being said, they are willing to go out on the trade market if needed and in a specific circumstance. Plan B is to make a deal for Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Freddy Peralta.

The 2025 All-Star has been rumored to be a trade candidate since the start of the offseason. What we are hearing lines up with previous speculation as to the type of moves the Braves could make. The Athletic’s Jim Bowden suggested the Braves make a move for Peralta, and part of that suggestion included a potential trade piece that would likely be dealt in this scenario.

The Brewers would likely want to make the centerpiece of the return the Braves’ No. 2 prospect, JR Ritchie. However, the Braves would likely prefer to hang onto Ritchie. They see him as a key piece of their future. They would likely prefer to make the centerpiece of the deal Hurston Waldrep, who showed significant promise once she was called up toward the end of last season.

Another player would likely be dealt along with one of the two names. The Braves would like to know whether an extension would be in play. They wouldn’t want to make the move for strictly a rental.

However, the Brewers want to get a trade done during the offseason. If he’s on the roster during the regular season, it would put them in a bind. They don’t see him as someone they’ll be able to keep around, but if they’re contending, they can’t trade him at the deadline. He would have to stick around for a push, and then he would walk.

Meanwhile, the Braves are pushing to have a top-five payroll in the league for next season. That puts them in the position to take on one of the two possible free-agent signings or take on a contract extension in a potential trade.

More From Atlanta Braves on SI

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Atlanta, GA

2 Dead In Fiery Crash On Interstate 75 In Atlanta

Published

13 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Press Room

2 Dead In Fiery Crash On Interstate 75 In Atlanta

ATLANTA, GA — Two people are dead following a fiery crash on Interstate 75 in Atlanta, according to police.

The crash occurred shortly before 3:15 a.m. Saturday on southbound I-75 near Cleveland Avenue Southwest. According to police, a Kia Sportage was traveling on I-75 when the driver lost control of the vehicle while attempting to exit at Cleveland Avenue.

Police said the vehicle left the roadway, hit a pole and subsequently caught fire.

Two unidentified occupants of the vehicle were pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators with the Atlanta Police Department Accident Investigations Unit responded to the scene to determine what led to the crash. The investigation into the collision is ongoing.

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Atlanta, GA

Atlanta chef charged after shooting 2 suspected teen porch pirates outside his home

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Press Room

Atlanta chef charged after shooting 2 suspected teen porch pirates outside his home

An Atlanta chef allegedly shot two teenagers who were suspected of trying to steal packages outside his home in broad daylight.

Rakim Bradford was charged with two counts of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony after he opened fire on the boys, ages 15 and 16, at his townhouse in the Mays neighborhood, southwest of Downtown Atlanta, on Thursday around 3:40 p.m.

Bradford, the head chef at an area IHOP, according to his LinkedIn, was at his home on the 700 block of Celeste Lane SW when he noticed the teens near his front porch, Atlanta Police said.

Officials believe the teens had traveled to the Villages of Cascade complex, where they spotted a delivery van and followed it, according to Atlanta News First, citing Bradford’s arrest warrant.

“After the packages were dropped, they agreed to steal that package from the front of the residence,” the warrant stated.

Bradford caught the teens going for the packages and allegedly shot the pair before they could steal the delivery.

“We believe a property crime was occurring, that some packages were being taken off a front porch, which is common this time of year,” Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum told reporters. “The homeowner did discharge his weapon to stop that theft of packages.”

The unidentified 15-year-old was found with a gunshot wound to the right foot. Officers later found the 16-year-old suffering from a gunshot to the right arm.

He was transported to the hospital in critical condition before undergoing surgery. The teen is expected to survive.

“The Atlanta Police Department takes gun violence very seriously,” Schierbaum said. “Anytime a child is injured in our city, we really take that really seriously. We want to make sure they know what’s happening.”

Bradford was detained after the shooting and brought in for questioning.

Officials ruled out a home invasion and didn’t announce any charges against the two teens.

Neighbors warned potential porch pirates of stealing packages from other homes.

“Don’t go and steal people’s packages,” Andrew Julian told the outlet. “On the other side of that, what right do you have to defend your own home, and then what decision do you make to defend your own home based on somebody taking an item off of your porch? So, it’s certainly a conversation to be had.”

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