Atlanta signed Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract in the offseason before they drafted Penix with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft.
Cousins has struggled under center this season with just one touchdown pass and nine interceptions in Atlanta's last five games. He leads the NFL with 16 interceptions and has registered an 88.6 passer rating, the worst of his career since becoming a full-time starter in 2015.are making a major change, as Michael Penix Jr is expected to take over at QB, with Kirk Cousins going the bench.
Seismic change in Atlanta—Falcons coach Raheem Morris has named rookie Michael Penix Jr. starting quarterback. Kirk Cousins, who is taking home $62.5 million in cash this year, has been benched.Their offense has become totally stagnant with Kirk Cousins, yet they are still only 1 game behind the Bucs in the NFC South.
Penix's first opportunity under center comes on Sunday against the New York Giants before a likely Week 17 showdown with fellow rookie Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders on Dec. 29.Blake Silverman is a breaking/trending news writer at Sports Illustrated. Blake has covered the WNBA, NBA, G League and college basketball since 2021 for numerous sites including Winsidr, SB Nation's Detroit Bad Boys and A10Talk.