Falcons’ Stefanski Talks Penix Rehab, Cousins Future
New Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski is getting his first real look at the quarterback room in Atlanta, and while there are plenty of questions to answer, he’s already made one thing clear: he’s excited about what Michael Penix Jr. brings to the table.
Penix, who’s currently rehabbing from a torn ACL, has been attacking his recovery with the same kind of intensity he’s known for on the field. Stefanski recently saw him in the training room and came away encouraged by the quarterback’s mindset.
“Michael is somebody I’m very excited about, and his rehab is what’s most important right now,” Stefanski said. “I saw him in the training room this week. He’s, as you can imagine, attacking his rehab.”
That’s big for a young quarterback trying to find his footing in the league. Penix has flashed the tools you want to see-he can work through progressions, layer throws with touch, and stretch the field vertically. He was highly productive in college, and while his pro moments have been limited, Stefanski sees the foundation of a player who can grow into something special.
“I think you see a player on tape that can get through progressions, can layer the ball, can push the ball to all areas of the field,” Stefanski added. “Obviously, he was very productive in college, has had some really, really, really good moments here in the pros, so I just see a young player that will continue to develop and continue to get there.”
That development will continue off the field for now, but Penix is already back to working out and is eyeing a return by April.
As for veteran Kirk Cousins, Stefanski was more measured. The two have history from their time together in Minnesota, but Stefanski isn’t tipping his hand about the future just yet.
“When it comes to Kirk, obviously have a previous relationship with Kirk,” Stefanski said. “But I don’t know if it’s the time yet to talk about all the positions and those types of things. Those types of conversations will come in due time.”
Cousins’ future in Atlanta-or elsewhere-remains one of the bigger quarterback storylines to watch this offseason. But for now, Stefanski is focused on what’s in front of him: a young QB rehabbing with purpose, and a roster that’s still taking shape.
Panthers Could Look to Shore Up O-Line in Draft
In Carolina, new general manager Dan Morgan has some tough calls to make, and one of the biggest revolves around the health and future of left tackle Ikem Ekwonu.
Ekwonu is coming off patellar tendon surgery, and while there’s optimism about his recovery, there’s also a dose of realism. If the Panthers don’t feel confident he can return to form, the No. 19 overall pick could be used to bring in a new cornerstone on the offensive line.
That’s not a knock on Ekwonu-it’s just the reality of building a roster with long-term durability in mind. Protecting Bryce Young remains priority No. 1, and Morgan knows he can’t afford to gamble on the blindside.
To create some financial flexibility, Carolina could also look to make some cuts on the defensive line. A’Shawn Robinson, who carries a $12.6 million cap hit, is one name that could be on the chopping block as the team looks to trim salary and reallocate resources.
On the offensive side, the Panthers have drafted a wide receiver in the first round each of the last two years, but this might be the year that trend ends. There’s a growing sense that Morgan may lean defense in Round 1, especially if the right player is on the board.
That doesn’t mean the Panthers are out of the receiver market entirely. One intriguing name in free agency: Rashid Shaheed. The speedy Seahawks wideout has shown flashes of big-play potential, and he could be a valuable addition to a receiving corps still searching for consistency.
As for Xavier Legette, there’s been some chatter about a potential position switch to tight end, but don’t count on it. The Panthers may be more likely to move on from him altogether rather than try to force a transition. His size and speed still make him a deep threat, and that kind of upside may be better suited elsewhere if the fit in Carolina isn’t quite right.
Demario Davis Plans NFL Return, Future with Saints Unclear
Demario Davis isn’t done yet.
The veteran linebacker made it clear this week that he plans to return for the 2026 season. But whether that return will be in a Saints uniform remains to be seen.
“Yeah, I’m coming back to the NFL. I’m coming back to the NFL, you know, and I’m excited for that. I’m super excited for that,” Davis said in an interview with Kay Adams on Up & Adams.
Davis, who’s been a leader in the middle of New Orleans’ defense, hasn’t been signed to an extension, and his future with the franchise is very much up in the air. Still, his passion for the game-and for mentoring younger players-hasn’t wavered.
“That’s what’s motivating for me, that’s why I think I bring the most value,” Davis said. “Not only being what I am in the middle but helping those younger guys take that next step, because it’s a relational thing, and not everybody has that.”
At 35, Davis knows his role might look different, but he also knows what he brings to a locker room. Leadership.
Experience. Accountability.
And that “superpower” he mentioned? It’s about knowing how to elevate the players around him.
“You just know your superpower,” he said. “Everybody may need your service, but somebody may need your service more.”
That “somebody” could still be the Saints. Or it could be another contender looking for a tone-setter on defense. Either way, Davis isn’t done writing his NFL story just yet.