Facebook Pixel

    Falcons GM Terry Fontenot Drops a Bombshell Regarding Kirk Cousins’ Future

    The Atlanta Falcons turned heads by signing Kirk Cousins to a $180 million deal last year. They didn’t stop there and shocked the world by picking another QB in the 2024 NFL Draft, Michael Penix Jr.

    However, now their plans seem to make sense. Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot blindsided the entire world once again by naming Cousins as the backup QB next season.

    Pro Football Network Mock Draft Simulator
    Take control of your favorite team's salary cap and manage the roster through free agency!

    Kirk Cousins Will Be the Falcons’ Backup

    Cousins recorded 3,508 yards and 16 touchdowns this season in 14 games. However, he also registered his career’s dubious highs in interceptions (16) and fumbles (7). With a record of 7-7, Cousins was benched in the final three games of the season.

    Penix did not fare much better, going 1-2 and missing out on the playoffs. However, GM Fontenot did not mince his words regarding the future of the franchise during his end-of-season press conference.

    “We gave Kirk Cousins two years guaranteed,” said Fontenot. “When you do that, you expect to get high-level quarterback play for two seasons. We understand that that didn’t happen. We’re more than comfortable moving ahead with him as the backup. He’s handled himself extremely well through the entire process.”

    As the GM highlighted, Cousins’ four-year, $180 million deal has $100 million guaranteed money, and the front office is going to make the most of his experience and leverage it for Penix.

    A Full Circle for Cousins

    After the Falcons drafted Penix in the first round, Cousins was asked by the media whether he would’ve joined the Falcons if he knew about their plans of drafting a young QB. “I don’t really deal in hypotheticals,” replied Cousins.

    Kirk Cousins has zero TD passes and eight INTs in his last four starts, all losses. Is it time to push the panic (Penix?) button in Atlanta?
    Atlanta Falcons quarterbacks Michael Penix Jr. (9) and Kirk Cousins (18) on the field prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

    In July, ESPN’s Kevin Seifert reported that the main reason Cousins chose to leave the Minnesota Vikings was that they planned to draft a young QB.

    The 36-year-old left Minnesota, and he finds himself in the same situation, albeit now his backup status is confirmed. Cousins’ 24th-ranked grade in QB+, PFN’s QB metric, has him slotted between Joe Flacco and Mac Jones. From PFN Analyst Ben Rolfe: “Cousins struggled when operating under pressure and in clutch spots all season, with a -0.44 EPA/DB when pressured (26th). His nYPA of 7.3 ranked ninth, but he was also 11th in YAC/Cp at 5.6.

    “Cousins’ clean-pocket numbers are solid (0.28 EPA/DB; 14th), but he converted just 34.1% of his third-down opportunities this season (ranked 28th).”

    2025 NFL Mock Draft Simulator

    The PFN Mock Draft Simulator features hundreds of prospects, scouting reports, and free trades -- jump into the FREE mock draft machine and get ready for the 2025 NFL Draft.

    2025 NFL Season & Playoff Predictor

    PFSN's 2025 NFL Season and Playoff Predictor is a tool that allows you to play out various weekly scenarios to see how the NFL playoff picture changes with each scenario.

    NFL Offseason Manager: Salary Cap, Free Agency, and More

    Do you think you can manage your favorite team’s roster better than the real-life general managers? PFN's Offseason Manager is here to help you prove it.

    Guess the NFL Player

    Test your NFL knowledge with PFSN's Guess the NFL Player game, the ultimate NFL player guessing game for football fans!

    Former Cowboys Player Weighs In On Micah Parson-DeMarcus Lawrence Beef, Rips Owner Jerry Jones

    Former NFL player and ex-Cowboy Chris Canty went on Get Up and criticized Jerry Jones, saying that he had to leave Dallas to win a Super Bowl.

    Commanders Predicted To Continue Upgrading Offense, Selecting 48-TD RB in 1st Round of NFL Draft

    As the Commanders make splash in free agency to improve offense, one analyst predicts they will select this Ohio State RB in the 2025 NFL Draft.

    Chiefs Predicted To Add New Toy for Patrick Mahomes, Picking High-Upside 25-TD WR in 1st Round of NFL Draft

    The Kansas City Chiefs have hit on two explosive young receivers in recent NFL drafts, and according to the latest PFSN mock, they aren't done yet.

    Giants Predicted To Add Explosive QB-WR Duo of the Future in 1st 2 Rounds of 2025 NFL Draft

    The New York Giants are about to add massive firepower to their offense in the 2025 NFL Draft, according to the latest PFSN three-round mock.
    Join the Conversation!

    LEAVE A REPLY

    Please enter your comment!
    Please enter your name here