Falcons Face Quarterback Dilemma as Cousins Eyes Future

The future of quarterback Kirk Cousins has become a topic of discussion in Atlanta as the Falcons navigate a challenging season. During a press conference on December 17, 2025, Cousins reflected on his career, comparing his current situation to questions he faced during his senior year of high school regarding collegiate scholarship offers. “You go out with your buddies, you play the best you can, you enjoy it, focus on the present, and you let the chips fall where they may,” he stated, underscoring his commitment to the game amid uncertainty.

Cousins, a 14-year veteran, is under contract with the Falcons for two more seasons. However, he expressed a sense of playing on an “expiring contract” this year, acknowledging that discussions about his future will take place as the season concludes. Head coach Raheem Morris confirmed that “everything is on the table” regarding Cousins’ potential return in 2026, which raises questions about the team’s quarterback strategy moving forward.

The situation is complicated by Cousins’ hefty projected salary cap hit of $57.5 million in 2026 and 2027, which would account for approximately 18-19 percent of the projected salary cap. “If it’s not guaranteed, it’s not guaranteed,” Cousins noted, emphasizing the nature of NFL contracts.

Cousins’ recent performance highlighted his capabilities, as he threw for 373 yards and three touchdowns in a game against Tampa Bay last week. Despite his solid contributions, the Falcons currently lack clear options at the quarterback position. Cousins is filling in due to an injury sustained by Michael Penix Jr. on November 16 against the Panthers, leaving his readiness for the upcoming season in doubt.

Penix, who is viewed by Morris as the “quarterback of the future,” will return from his injury at age 26, but his health history raises concerns. Morris acknowledged that decisions regarding the quarterback position will depend on Penix’s recovery and injury history, as well as his own job security as head coach.

The Falcons signed Cousins to a four-year contract worth up to $180 million in 2024, which at the time was the largest free-agent contract in NFL history. With the team having already paid out $100 million, they face a significant salary cap burden. The option to designate Cousins as a post-June 1 cut this offseason would limit the dead-cap penalty to $35 million over the next two years.

Morris stated, “We planned on the amount of years we put in his contract and hopefully potentially more,” indicating that discussions about Cousins’ future will be comprehensive at the end of the season. Cousins, for his part, is focused on the immediate challenges, stating, “I’ve played a lot of years on expiring contracts… You focus on the here and now, be in the present.”

Throughout this season, Cousins has made five starts, all during games in which the team’s leading wide receiver, Drake London, was sidelined due to injury. His performance metrics, while initially lacking, have shown improvement, ranking 15th in expected points added per dropback over the last three weeks.

Reflecting on his journey, Cousins is aware of the scrutiny surrounding his position but remains confident. “Do I feel comfortable out there? Yes. Do I feel like I’m enjoying playing with the guys I’m playing with? Yes,” he said, adding that his goal is to maintain this momentum.

This week marks the anniversary of the Falcons’ decision to bench Cousins in favor of Penix last year. At this time in the previous season, Cousins was struggling, having thrown nine interceptions against just one touchdown during a critical five-game stretch. Morris commented on the situation, stating he never doubted Cousins’ value as a starting quarterback, despite the decision to switch.

While Cousins led the team to a strong start last season, his late-game failures contributed to the coaching change. The current state of the Falcons, with Penix struggling before his injury and a recent streak of seven losses in eight games, emphasizes the need for a strategic reassessment moving forward.

Morris defended his earlier decision, noting, “Mike went in and played really well,” while also expressing his desire for better results down the stretch last year. The uncertainty surrounding both Cousins and the quarterback position as a whole will likely shape the Falcons’ strategy as they look to rebuild and reclaim their competitiveness in the league.