The Atlanta Falcons’ ambitious offseason gamble on Kirk Cousins has officially fallen short. The veteran quarterback was signed to a four-year, $180 million contract in the hopes of bringing playoff football back to Atlanta, but the team fell short of expectations, finishing the season 8-9 and missing the postseason. The Falcons were officially eliminated when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers clinched the NFC South with a win over the Saints, while Atlanta fell to the Carolina Panthers in a high-scoring 44-38 finale.
Cousins’ Struggles Lead to Benching
Cousins was benched for the final three games of the season, with rookie Michael Penix Jr. taking over under center. The 35-year-old quarterback’s numbers were underwhelming in his lone season as a Falcon:
- 3,508 passing yards
- 18 touchdowns
- 16 interceptions (tied for the league lead with Baker Mayfield)
Despite a promising track record in Minnesota, where he was coming off one of his most efficient stretches before an Achilles injury in 2023, Cousins couldn’t recapture that form in Atlanta. His 16 interceptions marked the second-highest total of his career and a key factor in the Falcons’ struggles.
Penix Jr. Shows Promise but Can’t Save Season
The Falcons turned to rookie Michael Penix Jr. for the final stretch, but the former Washington standout went 1-2 as a starter. While Penix showed flashes of potential, including his arm strength and poise under pressure, he couldn’t lift Atlanta to a playoff berth.
The Bigger Picture: What Went Wrong?
Cousins’ struggles were only part of the problem for the Falcons, who had significant issues across the board:
- Defense: The Falcons allowed 30+ points in five of their last eight games, including a crushing 44 points to the Panthers in the finale.
- Turnovers: Atlanta ranked near the bottom of the league in turnover margin, with Cousins’ 16 picks being a major factor.
- Inconsistent Offense: Despite weapons like Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Bijan Robinson, the offense failed to find rhythm, finishing middle-of-the-pack in total yards and points per game.
What’s Next for Cousins and the Falcons?
The Cousins era in Atlanta appears to be nearing an end after just one season. The Falcons are reportedly considering cutting or trading Cousins to free up cap space and move forward with a younger quarterback. While his $45 million cap hit for 2025 will be challenging to navigate, there will likely be interested suitors for the veteran QB, who could thrive in a more stable environment.
For the Falcons, the focus now shifts to developing Penix Jr., addressing defensive deficiencies, and regrouping under head coach Arthur Smith, who is likely on the hot seat after another disappointing season.
Cousins’ Legacy in Atlanta
The decision to sign Kirk Cousins was bold, but the gamble didn’t pay off. The Falcons hoped to bridge the gap between rebuilding and contention with a proven veteran, but instead, they find themselves with more questions than answers heading into the offseason. Whether Cousins can revitalize his career elsewhere remains to be seen, but Atlanta’s attempt to build around him has officially come to an end.
