What does Falcons benching mean for Kirk Cousins? Breaking down 4 biggest questions — including what’s next for veteran

Now that the Atlanta Falcons have benched Kirk Cousins, his future is up in the air. Where might he play next year? (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)

The headline of the Atlanta Falcons’ latest announcement had increasingly trended toward likely.

The subtext on Tuesday night was more surprising.

The Falcons did not simply bench veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins 14 games after they signed him to a deal worth $90 million guaranteed at signing

They also gave the rookie they drafted eighth overall the keys to the castle — indefinitely.

“After review we have made the decision Michael Penix will be the Atlanta Falcons starting quarterback moving forward,” head coach Raheem Morris said in a statement. “This was a football decision and we are fully focused on preparing the team for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants.”

The Falcons may be focusing on the Giants’ game. But the rest of the league is watching with at least as much interest in what’s next for Cousins.

Conversations with five league sources that spanned the coaching, executive and representation backgrounds gave Yahoo Sports context in the hours after the Falcons’ announcement. The sources spoke on condition of anonymity due to the competitive advantage of discussing the Falcons’ roster moves.

Here’s a snapshot of the league pulse on some of the biggest questions surrounding the move.

Will the Falcons play Cousins again?

Barring an injury to Penix, the answer was a resounding no from all league corners. Sources did not believe that the Falcons would shuffle between quarterbacks, or even give Penix a trial before naming him the starter. Cousins’ recent five-game stretch, featuring nine interceptions to just one touchdown, helped confirm that decision. But the patchwork of reasons includes a play-caller and quarterback struggling to find success together; an Achilles repair hangover that tends to linger the first season after the injury; and a desire to look forward with a healthy runway for Penix…

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Author : Yahoo Sports

Publish date : 2024-12-18 06:01:00

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