Falcons get update on Kirk Cousins' future with big contract

Billy Heyen

Falcons get update on Kirk Cousins' future with big contract image

The Atlanta Falcons still have to figure out the quarterback position.

They thought they had it figured out a couple offseasons ago when they signed Kirk Cousins. Then they thought they had it figured out when they drafted Michael Penix Jr. In the first round and gave him the starting job instead of Cousins.

And now, they've still got both, and it's not clear how they proceed.

Penix tore his ACL in November and may not be ready for Week 1.

Cousins is halfway through his massive four-year contract and was a trade candidate last offseason that didn't end up moving.

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Down the stretch, Cousins played pretty well with Penix out, only complicating matters further.

ESPN's Ben Solak provided his latest thoughts in a new article on Monday.

"The Falcons will keep Cousins in 2026. Sure, this is finally the year in which it's easier to get out of his contract," Solak wrote. "But the offense has worked better with Cousins than Penix, and Cousins looks far healthier another year removed from the Achilles injury."

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To get to a decision here, the Falcons will first have to figure out their leadership group. They dismissed head coach Raheem Morris and GM Terry Fontenot on Sunday night. They're also apparently set to hire a president of football operations.

There are other decisions, too, highlighted by what to do with free agent tight end Kyle Pitts.

But quarterback is the most important position in sports, and the Falcons will have to come out of this offseason feeling like they've done the best they can at QB.

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