Who Should I Start? Kirk Cousins or Malik Willis

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, January 4, 11:35 AM

Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (shoulder, hamstring) is officially inactive for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Minnesota Vikings. He had been listed as questionable after practicing in a limited capacity. In addition to Willis being inactive, Jordan Love will ride the bench as Green Bay rests key starters. The Packers have nothing left to play for, as they already locked up the No. 7 seed in the NFC playoff picture. As a result, Clayton Tune will start at quarterback on Sunday afternoon. Willis will likely return to his backup quarterback role in the Wild Card Round, and he could earn a chance to compete for a starting job during free agency in March.