Kirk Cousins didn’t view it as a short-term transfer. The quarterback mentioned he signed with the Atlanta Falcons on March 11 not solely due to the $100 million in ensures over 4 years, however as a result of it was a spot the place he wished to retire.
His spouse, Julie, is from Georgia, and her household, who lives within the space, are diehard Falcons followers.
But when Atlanta surprisingly drafted Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 general draft choose on April 25, it raised questions on Cousins’ future.
After Tuesday, that future has arrived before anticipated.
The Falcons named Penix the starter sooner or later after Cousins added to his league-leading interception whole of 16. The Falcons beat the Las Vegas Raiders 15-9 on Sunday to finish a four-game skid, but it surely was hardly the kind of efficiency that silenced the rising hypothesis a quarterback change was imminent. Cousins was 11 of 17 for 112 yards with a TD and the choose. His 9.0 QBR was the second lowest within the league in Week 15, higher than the three.6 by Cleveland Browns QB Jameis Winston (additionally benched Tuesday).
In comes Penix, the previous Washington star who has an distinctive arm and had a 91.3 QBR final yr on deep routes on the school stage.
Here are 5 key questions going through Cousins, Penix and the Falcons, who’ve a 29% probability to make the playoffs, in accordance with FPI.
Why make the transfer now?
Marc Raimondi: Falcons coach Raheem Morris mentioned within the preseason that the time to bench a quarterback is when he can now not win video games. During Atlanta’s 6-3 begin, Cousins ranked fourth in passing yards (2,328) and was tied for fourth in passing touchdowns with 17. He was one among eight gamers with a number of video games of 4 passing touchdowns this season.
Then the wheels got here off.
From Weeks 10-14, Cousins grew to become the primary participant since Brett Favre in 2005 to throw at the very least eight interceptions with out a passing landing in a four-game span.
On Sunday, it was clear the teaching employees did not belief him. For the primary time in his profession, Cousins did not throw a go on first down within the first half and had solely 17 go makes an attempt whole.
What does the Falcons’ remaining schedule seem like and what are their playoff probabilities?
Raimondi: Penix will get his first regular-season begin towards the 2-12 New York Giants on Sunday at house (1 p.m., ET, Fox). The Falcons are 8-point favorites.
After that, the Falcons go to the Washington Commanders for a sport flexed to “Sunday Night Football.”
Atlanta winds up at house towards the Carolina Panthers. Those are three winnable video games and two the Falcons ought to win. So, perhaps Penix saves the season. If not, he nonetheless will get much-needed reps going into 2025.
What will the response be within the locker room?
Raimondi: Even-keeled. If Cousins remained the starter, his teammates would have fought for him. Now they’re going to experience with Penix, who has been supportive and a category act since his arrival.
Penix was given the locker subsequent to that of security Jessie Bates III, which was no accident. Bates is likely one of the staff leaders and among the many most revered gamers within the NFL. He has helped take Penix beneath his wing and stored him motivated for when the staff would wish him.
How did Penix look in preseason and the way can he spark the offense?
Raimondi: Penix performed one sport, going 9-of-16 for 104 yards with out a landing or interception towards the Miami Dolphins. The Falcons did not play him of their different two preseason video games with Morris saying they’d seen sufficient of him.
During coaching camp, Penix was inconsistent at instances, which is not stunning for a rookie. But he additionally made some throws that made one perceive why the Falcons have been excessive sufficient on him to take him at No. 8. The arm expertise is simple.
Cousins has not been in a position to throw the deep ball and appears to have misplaced velocity.
What does this imply for Cousins’ future in Atlanta?
Jeremy Fowler: It’s successfully over. Hard to see a state of affairs by which the staff turns to Cousins in 2025. The Falcons made clear of their assertion that Penix is the quarterback “shifting ahead.” Translation: We aren’t trying again.
That leaves the participant and staff weighing their choices. Cousins’ contract is tradeable. Paying him $62.5 million in ensures for 14 begins is painful, however his solely assure on the books for subsequent yr is his $27.5 million base wage. Capable veteran quarterbacks may have suitors.
At least 5 groups presently scheduled to draft within the prime 10 in April want quarterback assist, solely the availability will not meet the demand in a category thought-about weaker on the place. Atlanta, low on leverage due to the benching, might provide to cowl a few of the wage to facilitate a deal. Though Cousins’ market wouldn’t be as sturdy as youthful, extra productive choices similar to Sam Darnold, maybe Cousins can promote improved mobility to potential touchdown spots in his second season after his Achilles tear. And it takes just one staff to consider in his remaining ability set. Cousins has been chosen for the Pro Bowl 4 instances, as just lately as 2022.
