Why isn’t Kirk Cousins playing for the Falcons against the Giants in week 16? Atlanta’s QB dilema

When the Atlanta Falcons take the field against the New York Giants in Week 16, fans may notice a glaring absence. Kirk Cousins, the team’s $180 million quarterback, will not be under center. Instead, rookie Michael Penix Jr. will make his first career start. This decision leaves many wondering: how did things unravel so quickly for Cousins in Atlanta?

Cousins, who signed a four-year deal with $100 million guaranteed just months ago, was benched this week following a disappointing season riddled with turnovers. With 16 interceptions and 12 fumbles (both league-leading stats), Cousins has not lived up to the expectations of either the Falcons' front office or their fans. While he acknowledges his mistakes, Cousins insists he hasn’t “forgotten how to play quarterback.” Yet, his struggles and the team’s middling 7-7 record have forced Atlanta to explore other options.

The Michael Penix Jr. era begins

This week, the Falcons announced that Penix would be their starter “moving forward,” signaling a significant shift in the franchise’s direction. Penix, a first-round pick in this year’s draft, was supposed to be a developmental player. But as the Falcons' playoff hopes hang by a thread, head coach Raheem Morris decided to roll the dice on the rookie. It’s a bold move.

The decision to bench Cousins doesn’t appear to be about injuries. “I’m not hurt,” Cousins clarified earlier this week. “Certainly, turnovers were not what you want, but I didn’t forget how to play.” However, his performance on the field has been difficult to ignore.

Cousins-Falcons: a fractured relationship

The seeds of discord between Cousins and the Falcons were planted on draft night, when Atlanta used the eighth overall pick to select Penix – without informing Cousins beforehand. As ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported at the time, the move blindsided Cousins and his camp, causing frustration and confusion. The team’s decision to prioritize a quarterback rather than a player who could help Cousins win now signaled that his days in Atlanta might be numbered.

That number appears to be rapidly approaching zero. With a $10 million roster bonus looming in March, league insiders widely expect the Falcons to release Cousins in the offseason. Thanks to a no-trade clause in his contract, Cousins holds all the leverage, and few believe he’ll cooperate with any trade efforts. Cutting him would save Atlanta from further financial commitment to a quarterback they’ve already paid $90 million for 14 games.

What’s next for Kirk Cousins?

If released, Cousins, now 36, would enter free agency for the second straight offseason. His potential value on the open market is uncertain. Teams like the Steelers, Jets, and Giants may be in need of a veteran quarterback, but Cousins’ declining performance and hefty salary demands could limit his options. Any new deal he signs would likely offset the $27.5 million still owed to him by Atlanta, making him a bargain for his next team—if he can still deliver results.

For the Falcons, the decision to bench Cousins and start Penix is both a gamble and a reset. Penix’s rookie contract offers financial flexibility, with just a $5.2 million cap hit in 2025. If he performs well in these final three games, he could solidify his position as Atlanta’s quarterback of the future. But if the rookie falters, the Falcons risk squandering their slim playoff hopes.

Sunday’s game against the struggling Giants (2-12) will be the first real test of Atlanta’s new direction. Whether it’s the start of a promising era or the latest misstep in a chaotic season remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the Kirk Cousins era in Atlanta is effectively over. And for the Falcons and their fans, that might be the best outcome.

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