Falcons make seismic change that makes their controversial draft decision look much smarter
The Atlanta Falcons have made a big decision with only three games remaining in the 2024 regular season. The team released a statement on Tuesday, announcing the decision to bench Kirk Cousins in favor of starting rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr.. "After review we have made the decision Michael Penix Jr. will be the Atlanta […]
The Atlanta Falcons have made a big decision with only three games remaining in the 2024 regular season.
The team released a statement on Tuesday, announcing the decision to bench Kirk Cousins in favor of starting rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr..
"After review we have made the decision Michael Penix Jr. will be the Atlanta Falcons starting quarterback moving forward. This was a football decision and we are fully focused on preparing the team for Sunday's game against the New York Giants," Falcons head coach Raheem Morris wrote.
This offseason, the Falcons signed Cousins to a 4-year, $180 million contract, with $90 million fully guaranteed.
So, it was a controversial decision when Atlanta decided to draft Penix with the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft rather than selecting an additional weapon for their new veteran quarterback.
But, now it's proving to be the right choice, with Cousins heading to the bench after 14 games.
Cousins has struggled this season, current having 303 completions for 3,508 passing yards and 18 passing touchdowns. Yet, he also has a career high 16 interceptions.
And with that, the Falcons are currently in second place in the NFC South with a 7-7 record. They are currently on the bubble for the playoffs, and are hoping Penix Jr. can help them solidify a spot for some additional football in January.
Here's what NFL Insiders are saying about the move:
The Athletic's Jeff Howe
"Huge decision, both for the final three games and into the offseason. Noted two weeks ago in the QB Stock Report that Penix has been terrific at practice and now he’s got a massive opportunity."
ESPN's Adam Schefter
"If the Falcons released Kirk Cousins with a Post-June 1 designation, they would have $40 million in dead money in 2025 and $25 million in 2026."
"The Bucs are 8-6, while the Falcons are 7-7, but Atlanta holds the tiebreaker with two wins over Tampa Bay."
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero
""The #Falcons' options with Kirk Cousins after today's benching in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr.:
* Release him before March 16, 2025 (no-post June 1 designation): They'd still owe him $27.5 million fully guaranteed cash and carry a $65M dead cap hit in 2025.
* Release him before March 16 (post-June 1 designation): Same cash, but they'd spread the dead cap hit over two years: $40M in 2025 (his scheduled number) and $25M in 2026.
* Trade him before June 1, 2025 (which he'd need to agreed to): They'd carry a dead cap number of $37.5M in 2025, but save $27.5M in cash and $2.5M in cap.
If Cousins remains on the Atlanta roster as of March 16, another $10M in 2026 would become fully guaranteed — not impossible, but practically unfathomable after the decision today.
Benching him now also avoids a situation where Cousins could get hurt in the final three games and lock in that additional $10M, which is guaranteed for injury."
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport
"This is still surreal. The #Falcons were prepared at the most important position."
It's a big change in Atlanta, so let's see what happens.
