Who Should I Start? Kirk Cousins or Kyle Allen

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.

Sunday, August 24, 9:13 AM

Detroit Lions quarterback Kyle Allen completed all five of his pass attempts for 66 yards and a touchdown in the team's preseason finale on Saturday against the Houston Texans. Allen was removed from the game in the first half after playing just two offensive series, which indicates that the 29-year-old's role with the team is secure. Allen has played well this preseason, completing 35 of his 44 pass attempts for 401 yards and five touchdowns. He is a lock to open the season as the Lions' QB2 behind Jared Goff.