With an eye on the future, the Atlanta Falcons surprised numerous with their choice of Michael Penix Jr. in the 2024 NFL Draft.
That future is now, as Falcons head coach Raheem Morris revealed Tuesday he's benching Kirk Cousins and Penix will begin Sunday versus the New York Giants and for the remainder of the season.
“After evaluation we have actually decided Michael Penix will be the Atlanta Falcons beginning quarterback moving on,” Morris stated in a declaration. “This was a football choice and we are totally concentrated on preparing the group for Sunday's video game versus the New York Giants.”
Cousins has actually had a hard time strongly since late, having actually tossed one goal and 9 interceptions over Atlanta's previous 5 video games.
After Monday's 15-9 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, Morris, who had actually been unfaltering in his assistance of Cousins, altered his tone and stated the group would “take a look at whatever” relating to the position. In a press conference previously Tuesday, Morris was non-committal to Cousins staying the starter.
That's resulted in Cousins, regardless of signing a four-year, $180 million free-agent agreement prior to this season, heading to the bench and Penix heading into his very first NFL start Sunday.
Hence, as 7-7 Atlanta wish for a rewarding future with Penix, it needs to likewise analyze what lies ahead with the 36-year-old Cousins.
Cousins ended his time with the Minnesota Vikings and his 2023 season with an Achilles tear before signing up with the Falcons on a long-lasting pact to become their franchise quarterback, however rather has actually lasted less than a season under center– one in which he's made $62.5 million. He's being moved aside for Penix as the club pictures incredible falls ahead, however the Falcons should initially handle some regrettable financials in the consequences of sidelining Cousins.
Benching Cousins now prevents a scenario in which the QB might be hurt over the last 3 weeks of the season, which would secure an addition $10 million ensured for injury, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported.
Pelissero likewise kept in mind the Falcons' alternatives with Cousins moving forward, none all that luring.
Must the group release him before March 16, 2025 without a post June 1 classification, they would still owe Cousins $27.5 million in completely ensured money to opt for a $65 million dead cap hit.
If the Falcons cut Cousins before March 16 with a post June 1 classification, they would still owe him $27.5 million, however might spread out the dead cap hit over 2 years– $40 million in 2025 and $25 million in 2026.
There's likewise the choice of trading Cousins, however the QB would need to accept it. Atlanta would then bring a dead cap variety of $37.5 million in 2025, however conserve $27.5 million in money and $2.5 million in cap, Pelissero included.
The Falcons might keep Cousins on the lineup beyond March 16 with another $10 million ending up being completely ensured.
