By: Michael Spiers

TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services

The Atlanta Falcons made waves in early 2024 by signing veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to a big four-year, $180 million deal.

But less than a year later, the team is already moving on. In a move that surprised many, Atlanta drafted Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick in the NFL Draft.

At the time, Penix was seen as a long-term project, but with their playoff hopes slipping away, the Falcons decided to speed up his development.

This bold decision not only shifts the team’s short-term game plan but also puts a spotlight on Cousins’ uncertain future.

Cousins started the season strong, but things went downhill fast over the last month. During a 1-4 stretch, he threw just one touchdown compared to nine interceptions and was sacked 11 times.

Now sitting at 7-7, Atlanta is still technically in the NFC South playoff race, but Cousins’ struggles left them little choice but to bench him.

The move shows the team no longer trusts him to lead—not just for the rest of this season, but likely beyond.

Financially, Cousins’ contract comes with challenges, but Atlanta has some options. He’s guaranteed $27.5 million in 2025, with another $10 million guaranteed in 2026 if he’s still on the roster.

The Falcons could release him after the season as a post-June 1 cut, which would result in a $40 million dead-cap hit. While that’s a hefty number, it would clear future obligations in 2025 and 2026.

Trading him is another option, though it’s trickier. They could save up to $27.5 million with a post-June 1 trade, but his no-trade clause and declining performance make this scenario harder to pull off.

From the beginning, it was clear Cousins might not be a long-term solution. Falcons GM Terry Fontenot turned heads by drafting Penix just weeks after signing Cousins, signaling the team was already planning for the future.

Fontenot defended the move, calling it a smart way to secure a franchise quarterback down the line. But the decision to bench Cousins so soon shows they never fully believed he could be the answer.

Unless Penix falters or the team makes a deep playoff run, it seems likely Cousins’ time in Atlanta is done.

His recent struggles, combined with the team’s pivot to Penix, highlight both his decline and the Falcons’ urgency to develop their rookie QB.

While Cousins could technically stay on as an expensive backup in 2025, that seems unlikely given the team’s commitment to moving forward with Penix.

Starting Penix now is a gamble, but one the Falcons felt they had to take. With the playoffs still within reach, they’re hoping the rookie can give their offense a spark.

Head coach Raheem Morris acknowledged the stakes, saying they didn’t expect to have such a high draft pick again, making Penix a key part of their future plans.

As for Cousins, his next move is up in the air. Teams like the Jets, Raiders, Titans, or even the 49ers and Rams could potentially be interested, especially with coaches like Kyle Shanahan or Sean McVay who have ties to Cousins from earlier in his career. Still, his declining play and no-trade clause complicate things.

At the end of the day, the Falcons’ switch from Cousins to Penix reflects a bigger strategy. They’re looking ahead to the future while trying to salvage what they can this season.

Whether this gamble pays off right away or takes time, it’s clear Atlanta is entering a new chapter at quarterback.