Why Did the Falcons Bench Kirk Cousins for Michael Penix? Exploring Atlanta’s QB Decision Amid Recent Struggles

The Atlanta Falcons made a bold move on Tuesday, announcing that rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. will take over as the starting quarterback, replacing veteran Kirk Cousins. Head coach Raheem Morris confirmed the decision following Atlanta’s narrow 15-9 victory over the Raiders on Monday night, which snapped a four-game losing streak.

Penix, Atlanta’s first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, will make his first career start this Sunday at home against the Giants. This decision has raised eyebrows, given the high-profile acquisition of Cousins earlier this year. Let’s take a closer look at why the Falcons made this move and what it means for their season.

Why Was Kirk Cousins Benched?

Cousins, 36, has struggled significantly in recent weeks. Over the past five games, he has managed just one touchdown pass while throwing nine interceptions, contributing to Atlanta’s 1-4 record during that stretch. This slide has dropped the Falcons from leading the NFC South to trailing the Buccaneers by one game.

With only three games remaining—against the Giants, Commanders, and Panthers—the Falcons are in desperate need of strong performances to secure a playoff berth. Morris’s decision to start Penix reflects the team’s urgency to shake things up and find a spark for their offence.

Kirk Cousins’ Contract

Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons during the offseason. The deal includes $100 million guaranteed and carries a cap hit of $25 million this season, which rises to $40 million in 2025 and $57.5 million in the final two years.

If the Falcons were to release Cousins after this season as a post-June 1 cut, the team would incur $40 million in dead cap for 2025 and $25 million in dead cap for 2026. This financial commitment adds complexity to Atlanta’s decision-making process but highlights the gamble they took in drafting a quarterback just months after signing Cousins.

Michael Penix Jr. in the 2024 NFL Draft

Atlanta surprised many by selecting Michael Penix Jr. with the 8th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, despite the substantial investment in Cousins. Penix had a standout college career, spending six years at the collegiate level—four at Indiana and two at Washington.

In 2023, Penix led the Washington Huskies to the CFP National Championship Game, securing victories in the Pac-12 Championship and Cotton Bowl along the way. His impressive play made him the fourth quarterback selected in the 2024 draft and one of six first-round quarterbacks.

This season, Penix becomes the fifth of those six rookie quarterbacks to start a game, joining Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, and Bo Nix.

Michael Penix’s College Statistics

While Penix faced significant injury challenges during his time at Indiana—appearing in only 20 games over four years—he thrived at Washington. He led the FBS in passing yards during the 2023 season and topped the Big Ten in passing yards in both of his years with the Huskies.

Penix’s strong arm, poise under pressure, and ability to stretch the field have been key traits that made him a first-round pick and now the Falcons’ starter.

Why the Falcons Made the Switch

The decision to start Penix reflects Atlanta’s need for a spark during a critical juncture of the season. While Cousins brought experience and leadership, his recent struggles put the Falcons in a precarious position. With the playoffs still within reach, Penix offers the potential to energize an offense that has been stagnant in recent weeks.

For Penix, this is an opportunity to prove himself on the NFL stage and demonstrate why the Falcons were willing to take a chance on him so early in the draft. For the Falcons, the move represents a gamble that could shape the trajectory of their season—and their future.

As Atlanta prepares for the final stretch of the regular season, all eyes will be on Michael Penix Jr. to see if the rookie can rise to the occasion and deliver the performances the Falcons need.