Late-season surge complicates Falcons 2026 QB plans

The Atlanta Falcons' late-season surge may make things harder for the front office this offseason.

On Monday, the Falcons (7-9) capped Week 17 with an upset 27-24 win over the Los Angeles Rams (11-5). It was Atlanta's third consecutive victory, each started by veteran Kirk Cousins, who was benched less than a season into a four-year, $180 million contract last year but regained the starting role after Michael Penix Jr. suffered a season-ending knee injury.

Cousins' play might give Atlanta pause as it plots its future at quarterback in 2026.

Atlanta Falcons have QB conundrum heading into 2026 season

Before his recent hot streak, it made the most sense for the Falcons to release Cousins this offseason. The 14-year veteran has a $57.5M cap number in 2026, while the Falcons could save as much as $35M by designating him a post-June 1 release.

But with Penix's status uncertain for the start of the 2026 season and Cousins once again playing well, Atlanta's only option might be to keep him for another year.

During Atlanta's three-game win streak, Cousins is 64-of-99 for 696 yards, six touchdowns and an interception. The Falcons offense has been much more consistent with Cousins than Penix, who started nine of the team's first 10 games. Atlanta has scored at least 24 points in five of Cousins' past six starts while reaching that number just four times in Penix's starts. Even if healthy, it's unclear if Penix elevates the roster much more than Cousins.

The Falcons must also weigh running back Bijan Robinson's influence. As arguably the league's best offensive skill position player, he's made life much easier for Cousins, and he could do the same for a cheaper alternative if Penix begins 2026 inactive. Atlanta's offense operates best when Robinson is Plan A, B and C, and the team might not need a nearly $60M game-manager to feed Robinson the ball.

But based on his recent play, Cousins has at least made the front office's decision more difficult.