Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins arrived in Atlanta in March 2024 after signing a four-year, $180 million deal with $100 million guaranteed. Cousins performed well for the team early on, even earning NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors for his performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 5 last season, when he went 42 of 58 for 509 passing yards and four touchdowns with one interception.
Cousins was later benched in favor of Michael Penix Jr. due to inconsistent play, but the Falcons should likely keep him around moving forward. Here are the reasons why.
Michael Penix Jr. Is Injured, Will Miss Significant Time
Penix Jr., the Falcons‘ starting quarterback, was injured in the team’s 30-27 overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 11. The injury was diagnosed as a torn ACL, ending his season. With Penix Jr. sidelined, Cousins was forced to step in and keep things afloat for the remainder of the year, and he may be asked to do the same in 2026. While athletes typically return from an ACL tear in roughly nine months, full recovery often takes additional time.
That could mean Cousins opens the season as the starter in Week 1 if Penix Jr. is not healthy enough to play. Having a backup who understands the offense and can lead the team to wins is valuable, and Cousins has done exactly that. For example, he led the Falcons on a game-winning drive in Week 15 against Tampa Bay, throwing for 373 yards and three touchdowns.
It Will Be Too Difficult to Trade Him
Cousins appears to be a logical trade candidate, but moving him may prove difficult because of his contract. Some teams may be unwilling to absorb the majority of the remaining salary, particularly for a quarterback who spent time as a backup. Paying that much money for a reserve could be a deterrent, but with Penix Jr. injured, it makes sense for Atlanta to keep Cousins, as the team may have limited alternatives.
They May Need Him Later Down the Line
Atlanta does not necessarily have a quarterback issue at the moment, but the team could eventually return Penix Jr. to the starting role, especially after selecting him eighth overall in 2024. Even then, Cousins would remain available as insurance. Penix Jr. has dealt with injuries in the past, making Cousins a valuable safety net should another setback occur.
What the Falcons want to avoid is entering next season with Penix Jr. not fully ready and no experienced backup familiar with the system. In that scenario, the team would be back to square one.
The general consensus is to keep Cousins for now, though salary cap considerations and potential trade terms could become focal points in the future.