Falcons bench Kirk Cousins for Michael Penix Jr.

Falcons bench Kirk Cousins for Michael Penix Jr.; What’s next for the veteran QB?

Falcons turn to Penix. Cousins' future uncertain?

Falcons bench Kirk Cousins for Michael Penix Jr.

The Atlanta Falcons have officially benched Kirk Cousins, just 14 games into his four-year, $180 million contract. Rookie Michael Penix Jr., the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, will take over as the starting quarterback for the remainder of the season. Head coach Raheem Morris called it a “football decision,” as Cousins’ recent struggles—nine interceptions and one touchdown over five games—made the change inevitable.

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The #Falcons are making a major change, as Michael Penix Jr is expected to take over at QB, with Kirk Cousins going the bench.

Atlanta is still in the thick of the playoff hunt, and Cousins has struggled mightily. Now, Penix takes over. pic.twitter.com/xTPLBovmOd
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 18, 2024

Atlanta is still in playoff contention, but this shifts the spotlight to both Penix and the financial mess the Falcons now face with Cousins.

Can Michael Penix Jr. lead the Falcons to the playoffs?

The Falcons are 7-7, one game behind the Buccaneers in the NFC South. Penix has no NFL starts, but Atlanta believes he’s ready. He has spent 14 weeks learning the system, avoiding the hits that other rookies like Caleb Williams and Drake Maye have endured this season.

Breaking: Kirk Cousins has been benched and the Falcons will start No. 8 overall pick Michael Penix Jr. pic.twitter.com/9fqc9pc8V6
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 18, 2024

Penix inherits an offense that has struggled with turnovers but still has talent. The team’s playoff hopes rest on whether he can manage games, limit mistakes, and capitalize on matchups. The remaining schedule includes divisional rivals and the New York Giants, giving Penix a chance to prove himself quickly.

The Falcons’ defense, led by A.J. Terrell and Grady Jarrett, will need to step up as well. Atlanta’s postseason hopes now depend on a rookie quarterback and a supporting cast that has yet to find consistency.

Falcons face financial hurdles with Cousins’ contract

Kirk Cousins’ four-year deal guaranteed $100 million at signing. Moving on from him will be costly. If the Falcons cut him before June 1, they face a $65 million dead cap hit spread over two seasons—$40 million in 2025 and $25 million in 2026. Designating the cut post-June 1 would still leave them with significant financial penalties.

BREAKING: The #Falcons are benching QB Kirk Cousins and will start rookie Michael Penix Jr. on Sunday vs. the New York Giants. A bombshell change. pic.twitter.com/6ZUeynRLt3
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 18, 2024

Trading Cousins is a slightly better option. A trade would transfer his $27.5 million base salary to the acquiring team, leaving Atlanta with a $37.5 million cap hit. However, Cousins’ no-trade clause complicates matters. He has control over his next destination, and at 36, his value on the market is uncertain after a season plagued by turnovers and Achilles recovery.

The Falcons will need to walk this fire carefully. Cousins will not want to sit on the bench for another year, and Atlanta can’t afford to keep him in that role long-term.

Cutting ties with Cousins?

If the Falcons part ways with Cousins, several teams could show interest. The Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets, and Tennessee Titans may see him as a short-term bridge quarterback. A reunion with the 49ers under Kyle Shanahan remains a dark-horse possibility, while the Vikings could explore options depending on their quarterback situation.

Kirk Cousins

Kirk Cousins benched

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Natasha Bose

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