After the Atlanta Falcons lost their third-straight game that looked a lot like quarterback ineptitude, many fans in Falcons Nation are getting vocal about making a change.
The burning question that Falcons fan want to know if whether its time to bench Kirk Cousins, who was paid $180 million for a four-year contract, which includes a $50 million signing bonus and $100 million guaranteed. The contract’s average annual value is $45 million.
Should the Falcons Bench Kirk Cousins for Penix?
Future Hall of Famer and former Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan says, “I think you’ve got to stick with Kirk.”
Ryan’s rationale is that the Falcons face a Vikings defense with defensive coordinator Brian Flores, “all the different packages that he has from a blitz perspective.”
Ryan didn’t give a ringing endorsement for Cousins over the long haul of the season or even next week’s game.
“If it goes bad and it’s not kind of the first half that you want, I know Raheem has said that he’s not going to make a change at this point, but I think that they’d be apt to make an in-game change. It’s unfortunate because I think Kirk has been a really good player for a long time, but he’s just really struggled over the last couple of weeks.”
The Issue With Kirk Cousins’ Contract
Cousins’ contract with the Falcons will loom large over whether to keep him or trade him after the season. Of course, it also depends on Penix’s readiness.
Details of the contract:
- The contract was signed on March 11, 2024
- The contract includes a potential out before the 2026 season
- The contract makes Cousins the 14th highest-paid quarterback in the NFL
Impact on Cousins’ career earnings:
- If Cousins plays out the contract, his career earnings will be just over $411.6 million
- Cousins is now second on the list of highest-earning players in NFL history, behind only Aaron Rodgers
Other notable details:
- Cousins was coming off a season-ending Achilles injury
- Cousins’ contract guarantees $100 million
Can the Falcons Still Win the NFC South?
Yes, the Falcons can still win the NFC South, particularly because they swept the Tampa Bay Buccaneers earlier in the year. Here’s how the standings currently look.
Standings
| NFC SOUTH | W | L |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Falcons Falcons | 6 | 6 |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers Buccaneers | 6 | 6 |
| New Orleans Saints Saints | 4 | 8 |
| Carolina Panthers Panthers | 3 | 9 |
Final Word
Cousins is known for his strong accuracy as a passer. Over his career, he has consistently ranked among the top quarterbacks in completion percentage. His ability to place the ball where his receivers can make plays is one of his defining traits. This is especially evident on shorter, intermediate routes, where Cousins thrives in delivering precise throws.
He is experiencing a slump that he must get out of if he’s going to lead the Falcons to the playoffs.