The Atlanta Falcons' Kirk Cousins story isn't done yet.
It's definitely been a weird saga, and another chapter is here. Cousins is set to start for the Falcons going forward this season as reports have emerged of a season-ending injury to second-year QB Michael Penix Jr.
Cousins was, prior to this, the NFL's most expensive backup. And that's because of a couple of oddly coupled Atlanta decisions.
When free agency opened in March 2024, the Falcons landed Cousins on a four-year, $180 million contract.
Less than two months later, they were drafting Penix at No. 8 overall out of Washington.
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They had signed their new franchise quarterback, but then also drafted their new franchise QB?
It added up to some serious confusion.
Cousins started for most of the 2024 season, but he led the NFL with 16 interceptions and was benched late in the season for Penix.
Penix came into 2025 as the unquestioned QB1, and after trade speculation, Cousins stayed put.
Now, whether the Falcons like it or not, their $180 million quarterback is going to be starting again.
Cousins may not be able to save the Falcons. They're only 3-7 on the season.
But he can at least prove to Atlanta, himself and the rest of the league that he still has some ability left. If Cousins plays well enough, it may set up an offseason trade to land the veteran signal-caller.
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