"Their first bold strike came when they signed veteran Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180MM pact with $100MM in guarantees in March 2024. With Cousins in the fold on a mega-deal, there was no expectation the Falcons would immediately use a high pick on a passer in that spring's draft. They stunningly did just that in selecting former Indiana Hoosier and Washington Husky Michael Penix Jr. eighth overall."
"Despite Penix's presence, Cousins entered 2024 as the Falcons' unquestioned QB1. Although he signed with Atlanta after prolific runs in Washington and Minnesota, Cousins' Vikings tenure ended with a torn Achilles in Week 8 of 2023. Over two years since suffering that injury, he hasn't regained his old form. Cousins bounced back from his Achilles tear to start the Falcons' first 14 games last season."
"As was the case with Cousins in 2024, Penix didn't look like the answer this year. His season ended with a partially torn ACL in a Week 11 loss to the Panthers. The Falcons, 3-7 at that point, turned back to Cousins to close out a dud of a campaign. The 37-year-old has put together a couple of strong performances and a pair of clunkers in his return to a starting role."
The Falcons signed Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180MM deal with $100MM in guarantees in March 2024. Atlanta then drafted Michael Penix Jr. eighth overall that spring. Cousins entered 2024 as the starter after recovering from a Week 8, 2023 torn Achilles but struggled to regain peak form. He started 14 games and produced mediocre numbers before coach Raheem Morris benched him for Penix ahead of Week 16. Penix took over late in 2024 and remained the starter into 2025 despite inconsistent results. Penix suffered a partial ACL tear in Week 11 of 2025, and the Falcons turned back to Cousins, who delivered a mix of strong performances and clunkers in relief.
Read at Pro Football Rumors
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