Atlanta Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot recently discussed quarterback Kirk Cousins at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. While discussing various topics surrounding the Scouting Combine and the upcoming Falcons season, Fontenot explained that the Cousins situation was quite unique and that the front office would do everything in their power to do right by the team and Cousins as well.
Cousins was benched mid-season due to poor play in favor of rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. The move was quite surprising as it occurred less than a full season after Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million contract with the Atlanta franchise. Looking to next season, it appears as though Penix will continue as the team’s starting quarterback, a decision that leaves Cousins’ future uncertain at this point.
Terry Fontenot’s Assessment on Kirk Cousins
Fontenot made it clear that the situation was still unfolding, and no definite final decision was made at this time. The full press conference was released on the Falcons’ official YouTube page.
“It is unique. With that, there just has to be a high level of communication, and anything that happens, obviously, everybody has to be on the same page with it, so we just have to handle that. But, so much respect for obviously Kirk, Mike McCartney, but we’ll just keep all those things private,” Fontenot stated.
Cousins’ 2025 Outlook
Cousins’ future in the NFL is now in doubt. Some analysts believe that Cousins may remain with the Falcons in a backup and mentor role behind Penix, while others think that Cousins will be released by the franchise and sign with another team.
Cousins is 36 years old and was in his first season since tearing his Achilles tendon when he was benched. He finished the season with 3,508 passing yards, 18 passing touchdowns, and 16 interceptions in 14 games played this year. Those 16 interceptions were the most Cousins has ever thrown in a single season, and he did not finish the season under center for the Falcons in 2024.
The final five games of Cousins’ season were especially concerning, as he threw only one touchdown pass and had nine interceptions during that span.
With numerous teams around the NFL in desperate need of adequate quarterback play, it appears as though there might be a market for Cousins. Though he will be one more season removed from the devastating injury, there is real concern that Cousins’ best playing days are behind him, especially considering how the end of his 2024 campaign was with Atlanta.
