Falcons Bench Kirk Cousins for Rookie Penix

The Atlanta Falcons have benched veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. after a disappointing season. Cousins' recent performance, marked by just one touchdown and nine interceptions over the last five games, has raised concerns about his future, particularly given the hefty four-year, $180 million contract he signed. With Penix taking over, the Falcons have several options regarding Cousins, including keeping him as a backup, cutting him, or trading him, though each comes with significant financial implications. If the Falcons choose to release Cousins, they would incur a $65 million dead cap hit, one of the largest in NFL history, while a trade could mitigate some costs. As the Falcons strive for playoff contention, they are in a precarious position, needing to secure wins in their last games to stay competitive in the NFC South. The decision to move on from Cousins reflects a desperate attempt to revitalize the team's performance amid disappointing offensive struggles.