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How Kirk Cousins Can Help Michael Penix Jr. In 2025

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Hery Acosta | Last updated Jun 14, 2025 11:31 AM ET

Cousins, 36, is a seasoned veteran in the NFL and has proven to be a very successful quarterback in the league. The only thing he was never able to do was have a high success rate in the playoffs over the last few years.

Penix is about to start in his first full season after taking over for Cousins in 2024, after a down year for the veteran. All offseason it was all about the Cousins trade rumors, but it looks like he will stick around and be the veteran leader to help out the young quarterback.

Penix was taken 8th overall in 2024, not too long after Cousins signed his $180 million contract. He would sit behind Cousins, until he finally got his chance to start in week 16.

Cousins was coming off a torn Achilles and had his statistically worst season as a starter, where he led the league in interceptions in just 14 games. Cousins wants to continue to be a starter in the league but is currently working to try to get back to that one day and is more accepting of the backup role at the moment.

These two can work together and help the Falcons in a big way if Cousins can mentor Penix the way many veterans do to younger quarterbacks. Cousins is not used to the backup role, but he can adjust to it and stay ready.

Cousins can be a voice to help Penix shake off any nerves before the season starts, and coach him throughout the highs and lows.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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