ATLANTA - Major changes are underway in the National Football League as the second season of Netflix’s highly anticipated series, "Quarterback," is set to feature Atlanta’s Kirk Cousins, Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow, and Detroit’s Jared Goff. The series is set to debut in July 2025, with a promotional video in circulation since the announcement.
"Quarterback," which debuted in 2023, quickly became one of Netflix’s most-watched series, giving fans an insider look at the lives of these star players. Cousins, who signed a lucrative four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons last March—which included a stunning $100 million guaranteed—will be chronicled in the upcoming season alongside Burrow and Goff.
Burrow had an impressive 2024 season, leading the NFL with 4,918 passing yards and 43 touchdowns. However, the season wasn’t without its issues. In December 2024, during a game against the Dallas Cowboys, Burrow’s house was broken into. Despite these challenges, the Bengals ended their season with a five-game winning streak, finishing at 9-8, but narrowly missed the playoffs.
Kirk Cousins also faced hurdles during his first season with the Falcons. After being benched in favor of rookie Michael Penix for the last three games—despite being healthy—Falcons fans were left wondering what the future holds for Cousins. In a press conference around Super Bowl Week in early February, Cousins shocked many by revealing that he played through injuries despite the narrative that he was fit. Looks like the Falcons were chasing a strategy, but could it backfire?
Meanwhile, Goff had a standout season himself, leading Detroit to consecutive division titles and securing the No. 1 seed in the NFC for the first time in the franchise's history with a remarkable 15-2 record. Goff's performance included 4,629 passing yards and 37 touchdowns, yet he and the Lions were eliminated in the divisional round by Washington.
Amidst these developments, Cincinnati made headlines off the field as the franchise reached historic contract agreements with star wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Both players secured multi-year deals with guarantees—a rare feat for an organization known for its conservative approach to contracts and payroll. Chase emerged as the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, while Higgins became the highest-paid No. 2 receiver ever.
The successful deals, finalized recently, were a stark contrast to previous negotiations, wherein Chase and Higgins had struggled to reach similar terms. "As great as those two guys are, I never thought those deals would get done — certainly not at those numbers," an anonymous former NFL general manager told FOX Sports. "It’s not who the Bengals are; it goes against every fiber of their organizational DNA."
This shift highlights not only the growth of the Bengals' franchise but also the strong bond and camaraderie among players. At a celebratory dinner in Miami following the contract negotiations, both Chase and Higgins conveyed their excitement about remaining teammates and their commitment to leading Cincinnati to a Super Bowl victory alongside Burrow. "They repeatedly emphasized the importance of getting these deals done — together — and how special it was to remain teammates," the anonymous source reported.
The irony of the Bengals' willingness to invest heavily in their receiving core is not lost on critics. "The irony is, it helps them long term. You have a great quarterback, and you’ve now told him, ‘We believe in you so much, we’re going to do something we’ve never done before.' That matters," a general manager remarked.
However, not all is sunny in Cincinnati; the focus naturally shifts to their defensive end, Trey Hendrickson, who remains a point of contention amidst contract negotiation challenges. The Bengals are hopeful of securing a contract with him, acknowledging his importance to the team as they continue to navigate these high-stakes relationships.
In stark contrast to the Bengals' successes, the Atlanta Falcons are grappling with a tough decision regarding Cousins. Owed $27.5 million for the upcoming season and having triggered an additional $10 million roster bonus, the financial implications are profound, especially as Cousins could potentially be making $100 million between 2024 and 2025 — for only a few starts. Sources indicate the Falcons are searching to find a trade partner willing to absorb at least part of Cousins’ hefty salary.
Reflecting on the team’s trajectory, one current general manager revealed, "Right now, they’re frustrated and just trying to buy time. They’re all-in on Penix. He’s their guy. But they can’t keep Cousins — just can’t. They’re calling everyone that will listen to try to make this work."
The situation remains fluid as teams across the league strategize and navigate contracts, trades, and roster changes. As fans gear up for the 2025 season, one thing is certain: player negotiations have never been so thrilling with so many moving parts. Who will come out on top by opening day? The close of offseason operations will reveal a lot about how these franchises value their superstar players and adjust their strategies accordingly.
