The Indianapolis Colts have been pinned as a ‘top landing spot’ for current Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Throughout the 2024 NFL regular season, the Indianapolis Colts’ quarterback situation has fluctuated greatly.
Anthony Richardson, the fourth-overall choice from last year, struggled in his first six starts this season. He had awful averages of 159.6 throwing yards per game, a 44.8% completion rate, and 13 turnovers. As a result, he was benched for two games before being reinstated, and since then, the second-year quarterback has shown some promising signs.
Despite the positive developments, some appear to be concerned about the Colts’ quarterback situation as the offseason approaches. Indianapolis has already emerged as a prospective destination for Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins, according to The 33rd Team on X.
Cousins has been in the spotlight this week as a possible move later this offseason, with the Falcons’ recent choice to play first-round rookie Michael Penix Jr. down the stretch of the season.
According to The 33rd Team, the Colts, along with a few other big quarterback-needy teams, might be in play.
Cousins has struggled in his first season after recovering from an Achilles tear. In 14 games, the veteran has 3,508 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and a league-high 16 interceptions. The four-time Pro Bowler may still have some gas in the tank, but it’s evident why the Falcons are spinning in another direction after failing to sign him a year ago.
Any cut involving Cousins next offseason will also come at a high cost to the Falcons. If Atlanta is eliminated before June 1st, OverTheCap projects $65 million in dead money and -$25 million in cap savings. Any move made after June 1st still leaves them with $40 million in dead money. For comparison, the Denver Broncos faced a league-record $53 million in dead money after releasing Russell Wilson last summer.
On paper, Cousins appears to be an improbable choice to be the Colts’ starting quarterback. Richardson appears to be the franchise’s face, and until proven otherwise, the organization believes he is.
Of course, the veteran might emerge as a top backup option, but despite his problems, the Falcons’ signal-caller could still have appeal throughout the league as the top person on a depth chart if cut later this summer. Just from this list, the Tennessee Titans and New York Giants appear more enticing and sensible than Indianapolis.
Unless Richardson has a disastrous conclusion to his season that completely defines what the Colts have with him and their rookie signal caller’s ability (which appears improbable), we shouldn’t expect to see Cousins in blue and white in 2025. If anything, he may end up being a veteran mentor, providing vital feedback in the room.
As things stand, Richardson should be able to play at least one more season under center, followed by another summer of excellent growth and development as the franchise player. However, given the organization’s prior judgments regarding former quarterbacks over the last half-decade, you never know how the Colts will approach this position in any given summer.
