The Atlanta Falcons have made a significant decision regarding their quarterback situation, particularly concerning the future of Kirk Cousins. After a disappointing season, the Falcons benched the 36-year-old veteran in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr., who was the team’s first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. This move raises questions about Cousins’ future with the franchise, especially considering his hefty $45 million annual salary.
Transitioning to the Future
Cousins’ performance this season has been underwhelming, leading to his replacement. He tied for the NFL lead in interceptions with 16 and threw just one touchdown against nine interceptions in his final five starts. Despite his impressive credentials, including a four-time Pro Bowl selection, his struggles prompted the Falcons to make a change. Penix took over as the starting quarterback in Week 16, showcasing his potential with 737 passing yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions in the final three games of the season.
The Falcons’ general manager, Terry Fontenot, expressed confidence in the team’s decision to move forward with Penix as the starting quarterback. He indicated that the organization is “comfortable” with Cousins serving as Penix’s backup for the upcoming 2025 season. Fontenot stated, “Kirk is a great man and he’s been a great support for Mike, a great teammate, great support for everybody in the building, so we’re very confident moving forward with him as the backup.”
Financial Implications
Cousins signed a lucrative four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons last offseason, which complicates matters. He is scheduled to receive a $10 million roster bonus on March 17, 2025. This situation has led to speculation that the Falcons might cut Cousins before that date to avoid incurring additional financial penalties. However, Fontenot dismissed these rumors as unfounded, emphasizing the team’s commitment to evaluating their options carefully.
If the Falcons choose to retain Cousins through the roster bonus date, they may explore trade opportunities to alleviate their financial burden. However, Cousins possesses a no-trade clause, meaning he would have to approve any potential deal. Should the Falcons trade him, they would incur a charge of $37.5 million in remaining prorations, along with his fully guaranteed $27.5 million base salary being transferred to the acquiring team.
Reflecting on the Season
The Falcons’ decision to bench Cousins comes after a season where they started strong at 6-3 but ultimately missed the playoffs for the seventh consecutive year. Their disappointing 44-38 overtime loss to the last-place Carolina Panthers in Week 18 sealed their fate. The team had high hopes when they signed Cousins, expecting him to provide high-level quarterback play for at least two seasons.
Fontenot acknowledged that the original plan was for Cousins to play longer and for Penix to develop as a backup. “Nobody was happy to make the switch at that time,” he noted. “So now what happens is we had to accelerate that plan and go to Mike earlier.” This shift reflects the urgency the Falcons felt to adapt to their current situation and maximize their chances of success moving forward.
Looking Ahead
As the Falcons prepare for the 2025 season, the focus will be on how they can best support Penix in his new role as the starter. With Cousins as a backup, the team hopes to leverage his experience to mentor the young quarterback. Fontenot emphasized the importance of having a strong support system in place, stating, “We will take those things as they come,” regarding the potential for a trade or further adjustments to their quarterback strategy.
The future of Kirk Cousins with the Atlanta Falcons remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the team is committed to making the necessary changes to build a competitive roster. With Penix at the helm, the Falcons are looking to turn the page and create a new chapter in their quest for success in the NFL. The upcoming offseason will be critical as they navigate these decisions, balancing financial considerations with the need for on-field performance.
In summary, the Falcons are at a crossroads, evaluating their quarterback situation and the implications of their decisions. With a promising young talent in Penix and a veteran like Cousins providing support, the team is poised to make significant strides in the coming season. The excitement surrounding the future of the franchise is palpable, and fans will be eagerly watching how this situation unfolds.
