Kirk Cousins Faces Uncertain Future with Falcons After Drafting of Penix

Atlanta, GA – Quarterback Kirk Cousins faces an uncertain future with the Atlanta Falcons following the team’s recent draft pick of Michael Penix Jr. at No. 9 overall. Cousins, a four-time Pro Bowler, was signed to be the starting QB but now finds himself in a precarious position as a costly backup.

The Falcons’ decision to draft Penix has left Cousins in limbo, unable to prove his worth at a time when other teams consider seeking quarterback upgrades. CBS Sports’ Jeff Kerr noted that while the Falcons might want to trade Cousins, his $57.5 million cap hit for 2026 and 2027 complicates matters.

“Any team that trades for him can save $32.5 million in cap space next season if they move on,” Kerr stated on October 16. As it stands, Cousins remains the second-string quarterback, with no immediate plans from the Falcons to shift their starting lineup.

During an interview on Netflix’s quarterback documentary, Cousins expressed surprise at the Falcons’ decision to draft a quarterback. “I wasn’t expecting us [Atlanta] to take a quarterback so high,” he said. “If I had the information around free agency, it certainly would have affected my decision.”

Prior to Cousins’ arrival, the Minnesota Vikings also invested in a young quarterback, J.J. McCarthy, trading up to select him, while Cousins was grappling with injuries and trades. McCarthy’s rookie season has been marred by an ankle injury, allowing Cousins to step into the spotlight but still failing to demonstrate his previous high-level performance.

The dynamic in Minnesota has evolved as Cousins’ departure led to speculation about his future. Cousins now holds a hefty contract with the Falcons that includes $90 million fully guaranteed. Following Penix’s promising resurgence, informed decisions about quarterbacks may cost Cousins further opportunities.

This season will reveal whether Cousins can reclaim prominence or if the Vikings made the right choice in moving forward without him.