While the Atlanta Falcons missed the playoffs, they have found their quarterback of the present and future in Michael Penix. But Penix’s emergence has left Kirk Cousins’ future with the Falcons hanging in the balance.

Kirk Cousins’ future hangs in the balance. Whilst rumors have floated around about his future, surrounding potential trades, the front office have downplayed notions of Cousins’ impending departure, insisting – somewhat curiously – that they would be happy for him to stick around on the team.

When the Atlanta Falcons benched Kirk Cousins for rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. late in December, the move signaled a shift toward the

Perhaps the biggest layer is Cousins's no-trade clause. He has the right to waive it and decline trades to other teams, which makes sense for his camp considering a trade would detract assets from his new team. Fontenot said whether the Falcons can adjust Cousins's no-trade clause is a private discussion that will happen in due time.

Atlanta's pass rush showed life, but the secondary got burned. The pass blocking held up, but Kyle Pitts had another disappointing season.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero: Atlanta Falcons are 'comfortable' with Kirk Cousins as backup quarterback in 2025. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero: Atlanta Falcons are 'comfortable' with Kirk Cousins as backup quarterback in 2025.