When Kirk Cousins left Minnesota for Atlanta earlier this year, it seemed like a risk.
Not financially, of course. The Falcons handed Cousins a four-year, $180 million contract to become their new starting quarterback. It appeared to be an irresistible deal that would keep the four-time Pro Bowler, 36, in Atlanta for the rest of his NFL career.
But in footballing terms, it seemed a risk. Cousins left behind an improving offensive that includes the talents of wide receiver Justin Jefferson, the NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2022. He also said goodbye to Kevin O’Connell, Minnesota’s head coach who helped the Los Angeles Rams win Super Bowl LVI as their offensive coordinator.
And then came the 2024 NFL Draft. Atlanta surprised everyone in football by selecting Michael Penix Jr. – a 24-year-old quarterback who finished second in last year’s Heisman Trophy vote – with the eighth overall pick. It was a decision that suggests the Falcons will eventually move away from Cousins and make Penix their starting QB.
Cousins’ agent Mike McCarthy admitted his client was surprised by Atlanta drafting Penix. McCarthy said: “We had no idea this was coming. The truth is the whole league had no idea this was coming. We got no heads up. Kirk got a call from the Falcons when they were on the clock. That was the first we heard. It never came up in any conversation.”
That begged the question, did Cousins regret leaving Minnesota for Atlanta in light of Penix’s arrival? “I don’t really deal in hypotheticals,” Cousins said in May. “We could go down that path for a long time in a lot of ways, and it just doesn’t do us any good.”
Cousins went on to stress: “I’m excited for this opportunity. I think it’s a real privilege to be a quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, and I’m trying to make good on the opportunity that they’ve given me with the way I work each day.”
But while Cousins’ didn’t regret his decision before the start of this season, he may be looking on enviously at Minnesota now. The Vikings are flying in the NFC North with a 10-2 record, with Sam Darnold – one of the NFL’s forgotten quarterbacks six months ago – impressing as starter. A lengthy playoff run is now a real possibility.
The Falcons, meanwhile, are struggling to gain any sort of momentum. Although they are top of the NFL South, their 6-6 record suggests they won’t make much of an impression in the playoffs if they can hold onto the divisional title, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers also sitting on six wins. Atlanta has also lost three consecutive games.
And with each passing defeat, there are more calls for Penix to start ahead of Cousins. Penix has even admitted: “Im ready. I have to be because you never know when the opportunity will come. So, I always stay ready. Its not up to me. I just have to continue to be ready. Continue to stay ready for that moment, whenever that is.
“Everybody wants to play, it doesnt matter how old you are you want to be on that field. But at the end of the day, I embrace my role. I knew coming into here what my role (would) be. Im just trying to be the best to help this team win football games.”
Right now, it’s unclear what the future lies for Cousins in Atlanta. What is clear, however, is that Minnesota is looking as good as ever without Cousins – and the veteran quarterback needs to start leading the Falcons to some wins if he’s to remain the starter.
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