Atlanta has competed in the NFC South race throughout the season, but Cousins struggled in the second half. The 36-year-old threw just one touchdown compared to nine interceptions over a five-game stretch prior to being benched, and the Falcons went 1-4 in those games.

Despite his benching, quarterback Kirk Cousins has no "ill will" with the Atlanta Falcons, and vice versa, according to head coach Raheem Morris.

Cousins' top suitor is Cleveland, the long-recognized mecca center for all misfit quarterbacks. The Deshaun Watson experiment has been nothing short of a disaster. He has two years remaining on his five-year deal worth $230 million.