The Atlanta Falcons’ quarterback situation has been a roller coaster for the better part of two seasons, and it doesn’t look like the ride is slowing down anytime soon. With Michael Penix Jr. sidelined by another significant knee injury and Kirk Cousins stepping in as the stopgap starter, the Falcons are staring down a complicated offseason that’s going to demand some tough decisions.
Let’s start with the obvious: Cousins is under contract, and he’s not cheap. The 37-year-old veteran is set to make $35 million next season, and that’s a steep price for a quarterback who may not even be the long-term plan. But with Penix’s health in question again, the Falcons might not have much choice.
Cousins has done what he does-steady, unspectacular football. Since taking over, he’s led Atlanta to a 3-3 record, completing 62% of his passes with eight touchdowns and four interceptions.
He’s not going to wow you with athleticism or off-script magic, but he’s experienced, accurate, and knows how to manage a game. For a team that looked like it was falling apart midseason, Cousins has at least kept the ship afloat.
Now, the question becomes: What do the Falcons do with him?
The trade market for Cousins isn’t exactly buzzing. At his age, with limited mobility and a hefty price tag, teams aren’t lining up to bring him in as their starter.
According to reports, if Atlanta had a willing trade partner, they likely would’ve made a move already. That suggests the Falcons may be gearing up to keep Cousins around for at least one more year-especially with Penix’s timeline still uncertain.
And honestly, that might not be the worst outcome.
The structure of Cousins’ contract front-loaded most of the guaranteed money, so financially, the Falcons aren’t boxed in long-term. And with Penix expected to miss the start of next season, having a proven veteran under center gives the team some stability. It’s not exciting, but it’s functional-and right now, that might be enough.
Still, there’s no sugarcoating it: Cousins’ game has limitations. He’s not mobile, and that restricts what offensive coordinators can dial up.
He’s not going to carry a team with his arm anymore. At this stage of his career, he’s more of a bridge than a builder.
But given the circumstances, that bridge might still be necessary. Penix’s injury changed the equation, and unless something unexpected happens on the trade front, Cousins looks poised to run it back in Atlanta next season.
It’s not the outcome anyone envisioned when the Falcons drafted Penix or signed Cousins in the first place. But in the NFL, plans change fast-especially when injuries get involved. The Falcons may not love their quarterback situation heading into 2026, but with Cousins in place and Penix on the mend, at least they’ve got a path forward.