In amidst a playoff run and a potential division title, the Atlanta Falcons are making a big change with three games remaining. News came across the TV screens on Tuesday evening that the Falcons were benching starting quarterback Kirk Cousins in favor of first-round rookie Michael Penix Jr.
Cousins left Minnesota this past offseason for a massive four-year $180 million contract. Instead of signing Cousins to a long-term deal, the Vikings instead drafted J.J. McCarthy in the first-round of the 2024 NFL Draft and signed Sam Darnold to a one-year deal — Minnesota clearly got the better end of things.
Atlanta has been spiraling with Cousins behind center. Cousins has thrown for over 3,500 yards and 18 touchdowns, but he has also thrown 16 interceptions, which is already a career-high in a single season.
Cousins wanted to feel like he was wanted by an organization which was partly why he left Minnesota, but after being benched for the prized rookie, Cousins’ days appear to be limited in Atlanta.