The Atlanta Falcons are at a standstill with quarterback Kirk Cousins. With Cousins still on Atlanta's roster, the 36-year-old received a $10 million bonus that applies to the 2026 cap. It also means the Falcons gain nothing by releasing Cousins, who told owner Arthur Blank he wants to go to a place where he can start in 2025.

Given the Falcons have kept Kirk Cousins on the foster past the bonus deadline, Mike Florio and Chris Simms unpack what message this sends and why he’s a “great insurance policy.”