Kirk Cousins ​​May Already Be Hearing Michael Penix Jr.’s Footsteps with Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons shocked the world during the 2024 NFL Draft by using the eighth overall pick on Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. It wasn’t shocking because it was a bad pick, but because they just gave Kirk Cousins ​​a contract of four years worth US$180 million per previous month. The Falcons said they made this pick to ensure their quarterback situation is set for the foreseeable future, considering the change they’ve had following Matt Ryan’s departure.

The Falcons are currently 4-3 on the season, sitting in first place in the NFC South. Regardless of how this season goes, will the Falcons make a quick move from Cousins ​​to Penix?

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler answered the question in a recent column alongside Dan Graziano about which quarterback could surprisingly be placed on the quarterback market next offseason. Fowler says Cousins ​​could be a surprise name to hit the market.

“If we’re going above the line of expected candidates and straight into the surprise box, I’ll start with Atlanta’s Kirk Cousins ​​as a trade candidate. nothing moving here. The Falcons seem perfectly happy with Cousins, who ranks third in the NFL with 1,830 passing yards. But we can take the information we are given and make educated guesses. When I asked people around the league if they expected the Falcons to show restraint and sit Michael Penix Jr. for several years, most said no.

“The logic is simple: First-rounders play and play early, barring a few exceptions. Maybe the Falcons can emulate the Packers’ quarterbacking ways and play Cousins ​​at least during his two-year, $90 million guarantee. , which would be the prudent thing to do. But that brings me to what coach Raheem Morris told me this offseason: ‘When you transition to a new quarterback when he can’t win.’ He, being the current quarterback, so how Atlanta finishes the season could play a big role.

Of course, the strategy that teams try to replicate is the one created by the Green Bay Packers. They did this when they drafted Aaron Rodgers in 2005 and had him sit behind Brett Favre for a few years before taking over in 2008. Then the Packers drafted Jordan Love in 2020 to sit behind Rodgers, only to take over in 2023. That strategy led to to much success and long-term stability as a quarterback.

However, as Fowler notes, there is much more urgency to having a quarterback drafted in the first round, starting early on. We’ve seen Jayden Daniels look like an immediate star for the Washington Commanders through seven games. Caleb Williams got off to a rough start before turning the corner and helping lead the Bears to a 4-2 record. But there are the negatives, like Bryce Young immediately struggling for the Carolina Panthers and ultimately being benched two games into the season.

Cousins ​​has played relatively well so far this season. In seven games, Cousins ​​threw for 1,830 yards, 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions with a 66.9 completion percentage. But if Cousins ​​struggles at some point this season, the pressure will be on the fan base, especially if it costs the team wins.

Therefore, the Falcons are a team to keep an eye on this season in regards to the quarterback market next offseason.