Kirk Cousins did not have to show up to the Falcons offseason program, but he did. ... The status of Cousins remains a backdrop to the Falcons' plans for Thursday's NFL Draft.

The Falcons were 1-2 with Penix as the starter for an 8-9 final record. They have only five picks in the NFL draft, including the No. 15 overall selection in Thursday night's first round.

“The Falcons would love for him to retire,” Corry said. “…If he retires, they are entitled to get back the pro-rated amount of the signing bonus for 2025, 26 and 27. That’s $37.5 million.” ...

In the NFC South, Moton picked the Falcons as the biggest offseason victor. Moton argued the moves Atlanta made at the team's biggest weakness -- edge rusher -- made them the NFC South winners.

After a round of OTAs this week, the Falcons shared what appeared to be a harmless picture on social media. The photo featured safety Jessie Bates III standing next to cornerback Mike Ford .

And shoot, against the backdrop of the NFL-high 16 interceptions that cost Cousins his job, Penix had an interception that took his team out of scoring position.

ATLANTA (AP) — The status of quarterback Kirk Cousins remains a backdrop to the Atlanta Falcons' plans for the NFL draft after he surprised some observers by reporting for the first day of the ...