The Atlanta Falcons made headlines during the 2024 NFL offseason when they signed quarterback Kirk Cousins to a lucrative four-year, $180 million contract. The expectation was clear: Cousins was brought in to be the team’s franchise quarterback for the foreseeable future. However, the landscape shifted dramatically, leading to Cousins finding himself in an unexpected role.
As the 2025 NFL season unfolds, Kirk Cousins is now the backup quarterback for the Falcons. This development has sparked numerous questions and discussions among fans and analysts alike. Why isn’t the high-profile signing starting? What led to this change in the depth chart? This article delves into the reasons behind Cousins’ current situation and explores the quarterback dynamics within the Atlanta Falcons organization.
We’ll examine the factors that contributed to Michael Penix Jr.’s rise to the starting position, Cousins’ performance, and the strategic decisions made by the Falcons’ coaching staff. By understanding these elements, we can gain a clearer picture of the team’s direction and the potential implications for both Cousins and the Falcons moving forward.
Is Kirk Cousins Still on the Falcons?
Yes, Kirk Cousins remains a member of the Atlanta Falcons. Despite not being the starting quarterback, he is still under contract with the team. His role has transitioned to that of a backup, providing support and experience to the starting quarterback, Michael Penix Jr. Through the first five weeks of the 2025 season, Cousins has seen limited action, primarily in relief situations.
Why Isn’t Kirk Cousins Starting?
The primary reason Kirk Cousins isn’t starting for the Falcons in 2025 is that he lost his QB1 role towards the end of the 2024 NFL season. The turning point came when Michael Penix Jr. was given the opportunity to start for the final three games of the season. During a challenging five-game stretch, Cousins completed 62.7% of his passes for 1,180 yards, throwing one touchdown but also nine interceptions. The Falcons managed only one win in those four games.
“After review, we have made the decision Michael Penix will be the Atlanta Falcons starting quarterback moving forward,” Falcons coach Raheem Morris said in a statement at the time. “This was a football decision, and we are fully focused on preparing the team for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants.”
Penix, drafted eighth overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, completed 58.1% of his passes for 775 yards, with three touchdowns and three interceptions over his three starts. The Falcons’ coaching staff saw enough potential and promise in Penix to warrant a change at the quarterback position.
Kirk Cousins Stats 2025
In the 2025 season, Kirk Cousins has seen very limited game action. His most significant appearance came during the Falcons’ Week 3 game against the Carolina Panthers, a game that ended in a shutout loss for Atlanta. In that game, Cousins completed 5 of 7 passes for 29 yards, achieving a passer rating of 78.9 during his time on the field.
Following the game, Coach Raheem Morris addressed the media, clarifying Cousins’ role and future opportunities. When asked if Cousins would have a chance to compete for the starting job, Morris stated definitively, “No.” He further explained that Cousins’ appearance in the game was due to the score being out of hand, with the primary goal of preventing further harm to the team’s key players.
How Much Is Kirk Cousins Making in 2025?
Kirk Cousins is currently in the second year of his four-year, $180 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons, which he signed during the 2024 free agency period. This contract places him among the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league, even though he is not the team’s starter.
The average annual value (AAV) of Cousins’ contract is $45 million, ranking him 14th among all NFL quarterbacks. In 2025, Cousins carries a $40 million cap hit and is set to earn $27.5 million in cash, derived from his base salary. Additionally, Cousins’ contract includes a full no-trade clause, providing him with control over his destination should the Falcons consider trading him. There is also a $2 million bonus for winning a Super Bowl, contingent on him playing at least 50% of the snaps during the championship game.
Falcons QB Depth Chart
The Atlanta Falcons currently have three quarterbacks within their organization, with two occupying spots on the 53-man roster. The team’s quarterback hierarchy is structured as follows:
- Michael Penix Jr.
- Kirk Cousins
- John Doe (practice squad)
It is also worth noting that Feleipe Franks, who played quarterback in college, is listed as a tight end on the roster. Franks has only thrown one career pass, which was intercepted.
In summary, Kirk Cousins finds himself in the role of backup quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons in the 2025 NFL season, a significant shift from his expected position upon signing his lucrative contract in 2024. This change is primarily due to the emergence of Michael Penix Jr., who demonstrated promise and potential in the final games of the 2024 season, leading the coaching staff to name him the starter.
Despite not being the starter, Cousins remains a valuable asset to the Falcons, providing experience and leadership to the quarterback room. His contract reflects his value as a high-caliber player, even in a backup role. As the season progresses, it remains to be seen whether Cousins will have opportunities to contribute on the field, but his presence undoubtedly provides stability and depth to the Falcons’ quarterback position.
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