Kirk Cousins signed a four-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons with the expectation of being the starting quarterback throughout that time. However, the Falcons shocked many by drafting Michael Penix Jr., a former standout at Washington, shortly after Cousins joined the team. Cousins expressed in the first episode of the Netflix series “Quarterback” that he felt somewhat misunderstood by this move. He mentioned that if he had known about the team’s intentions in free agency, it could have influenced his decision to leave Minnesota, a place he deeply loved. Yet, he acknowledged that in the NFL, nothing is guaranteed, and every player must earn their position.
The Falcons secured Cousins on March 13, 2024, with a $180 million deal, but then picked Penix in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft on April 25. Cousins’ agent, Mike McCartney from the NFL Network, admitted that the Penix selection was a major surprise, with no one in the league anticipating it until the Falcons contacted Cousins during the draft. During the 2024 season, Cousins started 14 games, guiding Atlanta to a 7-7 record. He threw for 3,508 yards but struggled with a career-high 16 interceptions against 18 touchdowns. Due to these performance issues and turnovers, Cousins was benched in favor of Penix before the Week 16 game against the Giants.
Heading into 2025, Cousins appears to be a costly backup as Penix prepares for his first full year as the Falcons’ starting quarterback. Penix has already thrown for 775 yards and three touchdowns with Atlanta.
Fan Take: This development is significant for NFL fans as it highlights the unpredictable nature of quarterback dynamics in the league, where even high-profile signings face fierce competition. It also signals a potential new era for the Falcons, who may be betting on youth and potential with Penix, reshaping the team’s future and the competitive landscape of the NFL.
