Insider addresses how Falcons view Michael Penix Jr. amid ongoing Kirk Cousins saga

NFL insider Dan Graziano of ESPN noted as recently as Wednesday that "it could be tempting" for the Atlanta Falcons to turn to veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins during the upcoming season if he remains on the roster and 2024 first-round draft pick Michael Penix Jr. struggles as the team's starter. 

On Thursday, Falcons reporter Josh Kendall of The Athletic suggested that the organization isn't worried about this scenario playing out as the team heads into its summer break. 

"It’s noteworthy how little doubt exists in Atlanta that second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. can carry an offense that will be expected to put up big numbers this year," Kendall wrote. "...What the Falcons have seen from Penix behind the scenes, combined with his poise on the field, has coaches and teammates convinced he’s bound for a big year."

Penix made only three starts as a rookie after he replaced Cousins in the Atlanta lineup ahead of Week 16 of this past season. Per ESPN and Pro Football Reference, Penix's 58.1 percent completion percentage would've had him ranked 36th in the league if he finished among qualified players. His 51.0 adjusted QBR would've been good for 25th. 

In total, Penix connected on 61-of-105 passes for 775 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions. He also rushed for a score.

As for Cousins, there is no indication that the Falcons will release him or that a different team will trade for his services before players report for training camp in July. He recently hinted he never truly felt like his old self last season, coming off the torn Achilles he suffered in October 2023.

Graziano is among those in the NFL community who believe the idea that some veteran Atlanta players may feel Penix isn't the best quarterback on the roster this spring is "the main reason the Falcons should have worked harder to unload Cousins this offseason." It sounds like Atlanta wide receiver Drake London views Penix as the team's best option heading into training camp.

"He gives us a huge confidence boost, and that arm is crazy," London recently said about Penix. "Can’t wait to see what he can do with it this year."

Atlanta opens the campaign with a home game versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 7.