Falcons confirm plans concerning Kirk Cousins, future of QB position

While he did agree to modify his deal in January of this year, Cousins only appeared in 24 games, starting 22, during his time with the Falcons. Atlanta went 12-10 with Cousins under center. 

Kirk Cousins showed he still has something left

To Cousins' credit, he did rebound following a rocky first season that saw him lose his initial starting job to Penix Jr. Inserted back into the lineup after Penix's injury, Cousins led the Falcons to a 5-3 record at the end of the 2025 season. He threw for 1,721 yards, completed 61.7 percent of his passes and tossed 10 touchdowns to only five interceptions. 

Cousins, 37, will be free to look for work elsewhere, having already made his intentions to keep playing known. Most link Cousins to a return to the Minnesota Vikings, where he enjoyed three of his four career Pro Bowl seasons from 2018-23. 

With J.J. McCarthy now implanted as the future of the Vikings, the New York Jets or even the Pittsburgh Steelers (if Aaron Rodgers does not return) could be possible opportunities to be the starter. 

It's now Michael Penix Jr.'s time to sink or swim 

As for the Falcons, this puts pressure on Penix to take the next step in his progression and show he can be the franchise quarterback he was drafted to be when selected with the No. 8 overall pick in 2024, oddly soon after the team announced the signing of Cousins as a free agent. 

To this point in his young career, Penix has thrown for 2,757 yards, run for 81 more, scored a total of 14 touchdowns and turned the ball over 12 times (six picks and six fumbles lost). The Falcons are 4-8 with Penix.