The Atlanta Falcons are in the news after making another decision regarding quarterback Kirk Cousins, and fans are skeptical. There has been palpable concern since the Falcons signed Kirk Cousins just after he had Achilles surgery Nov. 1, 2023. Following that signing, they went out and drafted Michael Penix Jr. Fans were both excited and baffled at the moves.
Here, we will postulate that some moves within an organization just make sense (if you can get the cap to work out). The Falcons made a decision and benched quarterback Kirk Cousins in Week 16 after a five-game stretch that saw nine interceptions and just one touchdown. Rookie Michael Penix Jr., drafted eighth overall, took over as starter for the final three weeks, but the team finished 8-9 and missed the playoffs.
Cousin’s Comments On His Benching
If you recall, Kirk Cousins responded to his benching with a mix of accountability and confidence. He acknowledged his poor performance, stating, “It’s pro football. There’s a standard I have for myself and the team has for me, and unfortunately I wasn’t playing up to that standard consistently enough”.
Despite being benched, Cousins remained optimistic about his future as an NFL quarterback, firmly declaring, “I didn’t forget how to play quarterback”. He recognized his turnover issues, admitting that his recent play was not meeting expectations, particularly noting he had thrown one touchdown to nine interceptions in his last five games.
Cousins also demonstrated professionalism by reaching out to his replacement, Michael Penix Jr., and offering his support. Head coach Raheem Morris even praised Cousins, saying he was “outstanding” in his approach to being a backup, with Cousins committed to being “the best backup in the National Football League”.
The quarterback’s benching came after leading the NFL with 16 interceptions and posting the worst passer rating of his career since becoming a full-time starter in 2015. Despite this setback, Cousins maintained a composed and mature attitude toward the team’s decision.
Recent Decision and Reaction
Cousins, who signed a four-year, $180 million contract in March with $90 million guaranteed over two years, is set to now be the backup to Penix in 2025. GM Terry Fontenot expressed confidence in Cousins’ role as a strong veteran presence and support for the rookie quarterback. We call this a very important insurance decision! There’s nothing wrong with two capable quarterbacks on the same roster. In the olden days, it was quite common to have two good QBs on the same roster.
Examples:
- San Francisco 49ers: Joe Montana, Steve Young
- Washington Redskins: Joe Theismann, Jay Schroeder
- Washington Redskins: Doug Williams, Jay Schroeder
- Dallas Cowboys: Roger Staubach, Danny White
- Miami Dolphins: Dan Marino, David Woodley
- Green Bay Packers: Brett Favre, Mark Brunell
- Green Bay Packers: Brett Favre, Aaron Rogers
- New York Giants: Phil Simms, Jeff Hostetler
- Kansas City Chiefs: Steve DeBerg, Joe Montana
- Minnesota Vikings: Warren Moon, Randall Cunningham
- Minnesota Vikings: Daunte Culpepper, Randall Cunningham
- New England Patriots: Drew Bledsoe, Tom Brady
- Buffalo Bills: Jim Kelly, Frank Reich
- Cleveland Browns: Vinny Testaverde, Bernie Kosar
- Los Angeles Rams: Jim Everett, Chris Miller
- Philadelphia Eagles: Donovan McNabb, Michael Vick
What Makes Fans Skeptical
Given the financial realities and fan sentiment, it seems unlikely that the Atlanta Falcons will keep Kirk Cousins on the roster through 2025. They may surprise us all, but…Cousins is slated to earn $37.5 million in 2025 if the Falcons hold onto him, a hefty sum that has raised doubts among fans and analysts. Many don’t believe that the Falcons will pay such a premium for a quarterback, especially when there’s a strong possibility that Cousins may no longer be the medium-term answer for the team.
As one fan pointed out, “There’s $37.5 million reasons why this is not true,” emphasizing the challenge of committing to that kind of salary for a player who, while consistent, may not elevate the team to the level needed for championship contention. Another fan echoed this concern: “Not at the salary he’s at right now you’re not,” suggesting that keeping Cousins at that cost would likely hinder the Falcons’ ability to address other critical needs.
It’s not hard to see the writing on the wall—unless Cousins agrees to a significant contract restructure, the Falcons will likely release him before the start of free agency on March 16 to free up cap space and pursue a more affordable, potentially higher-upside option. While Cousins’ steady play has been valuable, the financial burden of his contract combined with the growing pressure to build a championship contender may prompt the Falcons to part ways with the veteran quarterback sooner rather than later. Fans seem less convinced that Cousins will remain beyond 2025, with many expressing doubts about the team’s willingness to pay such a high price for his services. But if they are, it is very likely because there is not a better viable option and he is seen as a real family fit here in Atlanta.
One thing is certain, fans desperately want the Falcons to secure stability at QB, continue building a stronger roster, and they must meet the expectations of their potential! They are already well loved. They need to keep it that way and “Rise Up”!