From the Falcons’ perspective, they could be securing their quarterback solution for the next 15-20 years with Kirk Cousins as the present and Michael Penix Jr. as the future. This potential setup is significantly better than their recent options of Marcus Mariota, Desmond Ridder, and Taylor Heinicke.
If successful, the Falcons could become a consistent NFC contender for the next two decades, an exciting prospect for fans who haven’t seen a postseason appearance since 2017. However, this situation presents challenges for the quarterbacks involved.
Kirk Cousins did not expect the Falcons to draft a quarterback so soon after he signed a four-year contract. This surprising move left him understandably frustrated. Penix, on the other hand, might have preferred a situation where he could start immediately, unlike his current position where it might take a few years to get playing time. If Cousins performs well and leads the Falcons to consecutive playoff appearances, it raises questions about whether the team would transition to Penix, who has yet to play a significant snap.
This scenario could mean Penix won’t start for over three years, creating a less-than-ideal situation for both quarterbacks. Despite this, both seem prepared to face the challenges without worrying about what they can’t control.
On the “Bussin’ With The Boys” podcast, Kirk Cousins discussed how he focuses on controllable factors and remains professional despite unexpected developments. He mentioned that Falcons’ executives Terry Fontenot and Raheem Morris didn’t inform him about drafting his successor until the last moment, causing initial confusion. Nevertheless, Cousins, known for his professionalism, assured there is no conflict with the Falcons. He understands the team’s need to secure the quarterback position and remains focused on winning a Super Bowl, emphasizing the importance of team unity.
