Of course, Atlanta Falcons high-paid backup quarterback would love to be in a better situation of starting somewhere. He stated yesterday during the mandatory mini-camp that they had discussions in February, March, and April. The truth is that both parties know they are at a standstill right now unless a quarterback elsewhere gets injured.
Kirk Cousins is a stand-up guy, well-respected around the league, and an even better teammate. That is why the Falcons are willing to hold onto him as a backup quarterback if needed. The first quarter of the schedule presents a tough test for a young QB in Penix Jr. Atlanta will play against four playoff teams from a year ago through the team's first five games.
Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. reacts to a play during 2025 mandatory mini-camp. Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Penix Jr. isn't on a short leash by any stretch of the imagination, but if he gets off to a rocky start, yanking him may not be great for his confidence in the short term, but may help rather long term. Having Cousins as a backup would be a highly desired topic around the rest of the league.
Drama always exists at the quarterback position, but Cousins and Penix Jr. have downplayed any animosity or negative energy between the two. Head coach Raheem Morris would also downplay any conflict, stating, "It's been really less dramatic of a situation than it has been from an outside of the building standpoint, no doubt," Morris said. "Cousins is just not a guy that's been consistently dealing with drama or brought drama upon himself.
During this period, Morris doesn't anticipate Cousins being any distraction to Penix Jr.; he will only serve to help back him up and be a great mentor. Morris would also say, "Kirk's not in the business of disrupting Michael Penix. Kirk has a great appreciation for the player that Michael is. He has a great appreciation for the person that he is. I don't have worries about those things."
"That only happens when you have a lack of communication, and when there's a void of the communication, and we just don't have those things. There's no doubt."
Atlanta has high hopes and all the confidence in Penix Jr., but should the need arise for backup, fans know that the most popular player on the team has always been the backup quarterback.
