While the Atlanta Falcons missed the playoffs, they have found their quarterback of the present and future in Michael Penix. But Penix’s emergence has left Kirk Cousins’ future with the Falcons hanging in the balance.

Good thing Michael Penix Jr. is playing on a rookie contract because Cousins will be expensive for the Falcons no matter where he plays.

When the Atlanta Falcons benched Kirk Cousins for rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. late in December, the move signaled a shift toward the

Perhaps the biggest layer is Cousins's no-trade clause. He has the right to waive it and decline trades to other teams, which makes sense for his camp considering a trade would detract assets from his new team. Fontenot said whether the Falcons can adjust Cousins's no-trade clause is a private discussion that will happen in due time.

The Falcons are supposedly OK with a $180 million backup quarterback. Atlanta general manager Terry Fontenot said the franchise is “comfortable” with keeping Kirk Cousins on as the No. 2 behind Michael Penix Jr. in 2025.

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Kirk Cousins and the defense. They will have to explore ways of getting rid of the veteran while supporting their franchise quarterback in Michael Penix Jr.

Many believed the Atlanta Falcons found their missing piece when they inked Kirk Cousins to a massive four year, $180 million deal last offseason. Atlanta's offense had been constructed with multiple weapons that included Drake London,