Raheem Morris talks Kirk Cousins, tush push, and extra at NFL homeowners assembly

Raheem Morris bought to the homeowners conferences just a little late resulting from what ESPN’s Marc Raimondi known as weather-related journey points, however he was there to talk to the media on Tuesday. In his remarks, the Atlanta Falcons head coach touched on Kirk Cousins’ future with the group, the destiny of the tush push, and Ryan Neuzil’s standing because the group’s potential beginning middle, amongst different subjects.

Right here’s a fast rundown of what Morris needed to say.

On Kirk Cousins

We’re all questioning when the Kirk Cousins saga can be over. He was just lately noticed at an Ohio Chipotle, fueling hypothesis that he may be on his option to the Cleveland Browns, and we all know he’s itching for a shot at a beginning job.

Morris addressed his future by making it clear a commerce may materialize, however that if it doesn’t, the group is kind of comfy having Cousins as a backup. If that’s the case, although, Morris mentioned he doesn’t anticipate to see the veteran quarterback at voluntary OTAs.

A commerce isn’t on the desk simply but, per Morris—once more, whether or not you imagine this may increasingly depend upon why you assume Cousins was out in Ohio randomly in late March—however Morris confused that the group is aware of he desires to be a starter and can accommodate that if the suitable alternative comes alongside.

I’ve been fairly clear all alongside how I feel this can end up, even when conflicting studies have brought on me to waver at occasions. Cousins will discover a possibility and can bounce on the likelihood to begin, waiving his no-trade clause, and it’s merely a query of whether or not he has to tweak his deal and what the Falcons get in return. Whether or not that occurs now, after the draft, or into the summer season is the large query.

On Ryan Neuzil

The Falcons misplaced Drew Dalman to the Bears and solely have Jovaughn Gwyn beneath middle in the intervening time, with Neuzil set to return on a proper of first refusal tender barring an outlandish provide from one other group. Is he going to begin, although?

This confirms my priors, additionally. The Falcons usually are not going to let Neuzil go into the summer season as the only beginning middle possibility, and Gwyn is unlikely to be his solely competitors. Whether or not David Andrews can move a bodily and joins as veteran assist or the group drafts a middle, they’re going so as to add somebody who can push Neuzil for the job between now and OTAs. Neuzil is probably going the favourite until it’s an early decide, nevertheless, and a top quality season may earn him a long-term beginning job.

On Clark Phillips and DeMarcco Hellams

There have been attention-grabbing updates for a pair of Falcons defensive backs, too. Morris advised press that Hellams was anticipated to be prepared for OTAs, permitting him to hit the bottom operating as he competes with Jordan Fuller and probably a draft decide for a beginning position at security. It’ll be good to have the bodily security again on the sphere after a misplaced 2024.

The Phillips replace is actually attention-grabbing. I had largely written him off because the nickel cornerback as just lately as this morning not due to any lack of capacity, however as a result of the group confirmed an unwillingness to play him inside final yr even when damage hit Dee Alford. Apparently that’s going to alter, with Phillips probably getting an actual shot on the beginning job there.

I’m an avowed fan of Phillips, and I feel this can be a position he may thrive in if he can win it this summer season. A beginning trio of Terrell, Mike Hughes, and Phillips can be a positive group to begin the season with, although it’ll have query marks round Phillips’ potential inside and whether or not Hughes can match his 2024 season.

On the tush push

Lastly, Morris weighed in on the tush push, and is one among many throughout the league who has issues with it.

It appears to be like just like the league will possible ban the Eagles’ favourite brief yardage and aim line look, and I’m certain the Eagles will reply by developing with one thing that may nettle the league much more. It’s the circle of life.