Falcons’ QB Situation: Matt Ryan Clarifies Comments, Backs Penix While Leaving Door Open
The Atlanta Falcons have a new leadership trio steering the ship - and it’s already clear they’re not afraid to be candid. During Super Bowl week, newly appointed team president Matt Ryan raised eyebrows when he suggested the Falcons weren’t necessarily locked into Michael Penix Jr. as their starting quarterback once he returns from injury. That sparked a wave of speculation about the team’s plans under center - but Ryan has since clarified his remarks, and his message is a nuanced one.
Let’s break it down.
Ryan Backs Penix’s Talent, But Emphasizes Stefanski’s Call
In a follow-up conversation with CBS Sports, Ryan made it clear: he’s a believer in Penix’s arm talent and upside.
"I'm high on Michael Penix," Ryan said. "I have been for a long time.
His ability to throw the football, his ability to layer the football, to drive it to all different parts of the field. I think Mike's awesome.
I think he's done a great job with his rehab."
That’s strong praise from a former MVP quarterback - and now an executive - who knows a thing or two about what it takes to succeed in the NFL. But Ryan also drew a clear line between his role and that of head coach Kevin Stefanski.
"What I'm making clear is I'm not the head coach of the football team," Ryan said. "And I know what my role is and what my role is not. Kevin's responsibility is to be the head coach of the football team, and he's going to let you know who our starters are and who our starters are not."
Translation: Ryan’s not calling plays anymore - and he’s not calling depth charts either. That’s Stefanski’s lane, and Ryan’s sticking to his.
Penix Responds: “Never Needed Motivation”
Shortly after Ryan’s initial comments made the rounds, Penix took to Instagram with a pointed message. Without naming names, the young quarterback made it clear he’s not looking for external validation.
"I never needed motivation or a pat on the back," Penix wrote, adding that he carries "a lot of pressure each and every day."
It’s a telling response - and one that reflects the mindset of a player who’s had to battle through more than his share of adversity.
Penix’s Injury History Clouds the Picture
And let’s be honest: the questions surrounding Penix aren’t about his talent - they’re about his availability.
Before he was even drafted, Penix had already endured two ACL tears. Then, in 2025, his season was cut short again by another knee injury that required surgery to repair a partially torn ACL. Over the last two seasons, he’s made just 12 regular-season starts.
That kind of injury history is tough to ignore, especially for a new regime trying to establish a foundation. The numbers haven’t helped his case either. Over the past two years, Penix is 4-8 as a starter and ranks near the bottom of the league in several key metrics: 24th in EPA per dropback (0.03), 29th in passing yards per game (196.9), 42nd in off-target percentage (13.9%), and 44th in completion percentage (59.6%) among quarterbacks with at least 250 pass attempts.
It’s a small sample size, sure - but it’s also a reminder that the Falcons need to be deliberate with how they handle the position moving forward.
What About Kirk Cousins?
There’s another name in the mix here: veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. Stefanski, who coached Cousins in Minnesota, appears open to keeping him around while Penix continues his recovery.
Cousins, for his part, said on Pro Football Talk Live that he’s keeping "an open mind" about his future. He’s due to be released before March 13 unless he and the team can agree to a restructured deal.
That gives the Falcons a potential bridge option - a proven veteran who knows the system and can give them stability while Penix gets healthy and continues to develop.
When Will We Know?
As for who will be QB1 when the 2026 season kicks off? Don’t expect an answer anytime soon.
"Of course my input will be there," Ryan said. "But at the end of the day, it's the head coach's responsibility to let you know, when the time is right, who's going to be our starting quarterback."
So for now, the Falcons’ quarterback room remains a fluid situation - one that could hinge on Penix’s health, Cousins’ contract, and Stefanski’s vision for the offense.
But make no mistake: Matt Ryan may no longer be under center, but he’s still very much in the middle of Atlanta’s next chapter. And how the Falcons handle the quarterback position could define the early legacy of this new leadership trio.