RUMOR: Atlanta Falcons Could Make A Shocking Move At QB In the Offseason

The Atlanta Falcons may be leading the NFC South with a 6-5 record heading into Week 13, but it’s safe to say that Kirk Cousins has not performed the way the organization expected.

After being held back by lackluster quarterback production in 2022 and 2023, the Falcons signed Kirk Cousins to a four-year contract worth $180 million. In the biggest surprise of the 2024 NFL Draft, they also used the No. 8 pick on Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr.

The decision to use a first-rounder on a quarterback immediately led to speculation that the Falcons would move on from Cousins well before his contract expires. Could the split come as soon as this year?

ESPN analysts Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler both suggested that the Falcons could pull the plug on the Cousins project after this season. For starters, Graziano wondered if Cousins could be a target for the Cleveland Browns:

“What about Kirk Cousins? It remains to be seen how things turn out in Atlanta, but they haven’t gone as great as the Falcons imagined they would. And first-round pick Michael Penix Jr. is sitting there behind him and about to turn 25 in May. Could the Falcons make Cousins available in a trade after only one season if they think Penix is ready to go? He’d be an interesting veteran pickup for a team that thinks it’s close.”

Additionally, Fowler speculates that the final stretch of the season could decide Cousins’ fate in Atlanta:

“The next six games could determine a lot about Cousins’ future…

Cousins would have a trade market, but I can’t think of a natural fit right now. The Raiders and Giants are in desperate need of a quarterback upgrade, but Cousins would prefer a contender, and neither team qualifies. Luckily for Atlanta, it doesn’t have to do anything right now. And Cousins very well could remain in a Falcons uniform if the next six games go well.”

Kirk Cousins has completed 68.1 percent of his pass attempts for 2,807 yards, 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Since they have the head-to-head tiebreaker, the Falcons are essentially two games up on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for tops in the NFC South.

Falcons Shouldn’t Give Up On Kirk Cousins After Just One Year

Kirk Cousins hasn’t played up to his usual standards, but he’s still far better than any quarterback the Falcons have used since 2021. And the fact he has them in the driver’s seat for the division title should keep the Falcons’ brass happy.

The 36-year-old suffered a season-ending Achilles tear a year ago. Coupled with a new team and offensive system, rust was inevitable for Cousins. Atlanta simply can’t give up on the four-time Pro Bowler after just one season, especially if they’re not convinced that Penix is ready for prime time.