Atlanta Falcons make major Kirk Cousins decision over his future after $40m-a-year QB was benched mid NFL season

The Atlanta Falcons benched quarterback Kirk Cousins late in the season, revealing their thoughts on the quarterback’s future.

Cousins, 36, makes $45 million a season, but starting in Week 16, 2024 first-round selection Michael Penix Jr. took his spot.

According to Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot, the organization is “comfortable” with Cousins remaining Penix’ backup in 2025.

During a press conference on Thursday, Fontenot told reporters, “We are very comfortable moving forward with (Cousins) as backup,” according to ESPN.

“Kirk is a great man and he’s been great support for Mike, a great teammate, great support for everybody in the building, so we’re very confident moving forward with him as the backup.”

Last offseason, Cousins signed a $180 million, four-year contract with Atlanta.

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After suffering a torn Achilles tendon that ended his season with the Minnesota Vikings the previous season, the four-time Pro Bowler returned.

But before losing his starting position to Penix, he struggled severely, tying the NFL lead in interceptions with 16.

Cousins tossed nine interceptions and one touchdown in his final five starts.

According to Fontenot, they signed Cousins anticipating “to get high-level quarterback player for two seasons” and acknowledged that “the plane was for Kirk to play longer and for Mike to sit longer.”

“The transition was not welcomed at the time by anyone…. We now have to expedite that strategy and go to Mike sooner, but we’re tenth in the league in terms of quarterback position allocation and cap allocation,” Fontenot continued.

On March 17, Cousins will get a roster bonus of $10 million.

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the league as a whole expects the Falcons to cut Cousins before to that date.

But Fontenot exposed the report’s lack of foundation.

The Falcons can try to move Cousins in the hopes of avoiding having to pay the salary if they decide to keep him through that date.

Due to his no-trade clause, Cousins’ new team would receive his fully guaranteed $27.5 million base salary and the team would be responsible for the $37.5 million in remaining prorations.

Fontenot stated, “We will take those things as they come,” in reference to a possible Cousins deal.

Penix recorded 737 throwing yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions while serving as the Falcons’ top signal-caller for the season’s last three games.

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After losing to the last-place Carolina Panthers 44-38 in overtime in Week 18, Atlanta missed the playoffs for the seventh straight season.

The Falcons were 6-3 at the beginning of the season.