Who Should I Start? Kirk Cousins or Bryce Young

Tuesday, January 6, 12:56 PM

The Atlanta Falcons and quarterback Kirk Cousins agreed to tweak the final two years of the QB's contract on Tuesday, setting the stage for a decision on his future to be made by the third day of the new league year on March 13, a source told ESPN's Field Yates. Cousins now has a guarantee for $67.9 million for the 2027 season that will vest on March 13. The restructure also includes reducing Cousins' 2026 base salary from a non-guaranteed $35 million to just $2.1 million. Atlanta's front office is in flux following the firing of general manager Terry Fontenot on Sunday, but the Falcons could still move on from Cousins before March 13 as a post-June 1 release. A release of that kind would split the dead money on Cousins' contract over 2026 and 2027, as opposed to the team taking on the full amount in 2026. The 37-year-old played in 10 games this season, including starting the final seven following Michael Penix Jr.'s season-ending knee injury. Cousins was serviceable, throwing 10 TDs and five interceptions, but he probably isn't in the team's long-term plans at the position.

Tuesday, January 13, 11:55 AM

Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan was non-committal on Tuesday when asked if the team is considering a contract extension for quarterback Bryce Young, according to David Newton of ESPN. "We're still talking through the roster. It's up in the air, and we're still working through it," Morgan said. Young had the best season of his young career in 2025, setting career highs in completion percentage (63.6%), passing yards (3,011), and touchdown passes (23) while throwing 11 interceptions in 16 regular-season starts. The 24-year-old former first overall pick in 2023 led the Panthers to their first postseason appearance since 2018. The Panthers are expected to pick up Young's fifth-year option, but it wouldn't be a surprise if they hold off on a long-term extension until after the 2026 season.