The Atlanta Falcons could be looking at a couple major quarterback decisions in the months ahead.
Not only do they have to decide what to do with Kirk Cousins, but they have to decide how committed they are to Michael Penix Jr. As the long-term starter.
ESPN's Bill Barnwell thinks the Cousins decision is simple, but that the Penix part is tricky.
"Atlanta's ill-fated dalliance with Kirk Cousins will surely end after the 2025 season, though, opening up the spot behind Penix," Barnwell wrote on Thursday. "I would be shocked if the Falcons moved on from their 2024 first-round pick after what should be a little over a full season's worth of work, but it's still unclear whether they'll bring in someone who would qualify as just a safe pair of hands behind Penix or someone with a realistic chance of taking over as the starter if 25-year-old struggles next season."
MORE: Jameis Winston sings 'Hamilton' lyrics before first start with New York Giants
Penix has an incredibly strong left arm, but his inconsistencies have created concerns about his long-term viability.
The Falcons are, in one way, quite invested in him. They drafted him No. 8 overall in 2024 even having just signed Cousins to a $180 million contract. They knew it'd create controversy but felt Penix was worth it.
Atlanta would feel a lot better if Penix simply worked out, but it often isn't that simple.
There's still a lot of football left in the 2025 season, and it's as important for Penix as anyone. If he can play well, he can make a case as the unquestioned starter for 2026.
But if Penix struggles, it wouldn't be a surprise at all for Atlanta to make a hefty investment in a backup QB this offseason, a guy who could compete for the starting job and even potentially win it, like Daniel Jones did with the Colts this season.
There's still a lot of the Penix NFL story to be written. But there's at least a little reason to start wondering what his long-term future looks like in Atlanta.
More NFL news:
- The Brian Daboll firing is all about Jaxson Dart
- Bills' new signee owns a dog that won the National Dog Show
- Jaire Alexander is making an unexpected NFL career move
- An NFL defensive tackle is leaving football to play pro lacrosse
- Aaron Rodgers' retirement decision hangs in the balance for the Steelers
- There's a $42.5 million problem with Cardinals cutting Kyler Murray