NFL World Reacts to Falcons Sending Kirk Cousins to Bench Despite Nine-Figure Investment

Michael Penix Jr. is officially taking over in Atlanta.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Cousins throws a pass against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. | Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

The Atlanta Falcons decided to bench quarterback Kirk Cousins in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. in advance of their Week 16 game against the New York Giants.

Atlanta signed Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract in the offseason before they drafted Penix with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft.

Cousins has struggled under center this season with just one touchdown pass and nine interceptions in Atlanta's last five games. He leads the NFL with 16 interceptions and has registered an 88.6 passer rating, the worst of his career since becoming a full-time starter in 2015.

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The #Falcons are making a major change, as Michael Penix Jr is expected to take over at QB, with Kirk Cousins going the bench.

Atlanta is still in the thick of the playoff hunt, and Cousins has struggled mightily. Now, Penix takes over. pic.twitter.com/xTPLBovmOd

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 18, 2024

Amid the struggles, Atlanta's decision shocked the NFL world given the massive commitment made to Cousins in the offseason:

Seismic change in Atlanta—Falcons coach Raheem Morris has named rookie Michael Penix Jr. starting quarterback. Kirk Cousins, who is taking home $62.5 million in cash this year, has been benched.

At 7-7, the Falcons are in the thick of the NFC South race, a game back of Tampa.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) December 18, 2024

Going to Michael Penix Jr. was a no-brainer for the Falcons at this point:

Their offense has become totally stagnant with Kirk Cousins, yet they are still only 1 game behind the Bucs in the NFC South.

Might as well try Penix to see if he can spark the squad down the stretch pic.twitter.com/WKHiWcYdg7

— John Frascella (Football) (@NFLFrascella) December 18, 2024

remember when the falcons gave kirk cousins a nine-figure contract coming off a torn achilles and then still spent a top-10 pick on a quarterback?

fun offseason https://t.co/eV7oqhRnvF

— Brad Rowland (@BTRowland) December 18, 2024

Welp. Will be interesting in week 17. https://t.co/lf76XQmJJv

— John Keim (@john_keim) December 18, 2024

Wow wow wow

Atlanta breaks their plan. No turning back https://t.co/oHcf6xu140

— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) December 18, 2024

I was very critical of the Penix pick at the time because I thought Cousins was still functional

Now that we’ve seen from Cousins what we have this year, it’s a much more understandable move. If Penix is good quick — which is very possible — it’s a franchise-saving move https://t.co/jXLHRE0h8E

— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) December 18, 2024

The Commanders - Falcons Week 17 Primetime game will now be a matchup of Jayden Daniels and Michael Penix.

The 7th seed could potentially be on the line. https://t.co/paUZJ1ESm9

— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) December 18, 2024

Kirk Cousins set the single game passing record for the Falcons this season

Wild. https://t.co/vu0vbVWX41

— Football (@BostonConnr) December 18, 2024

Falcons head coach Raheem Morris quickly released a statement on the move to start Penix:

Statement from Falcons HC Raheem Morris: pic.twitter.com/qlcF0zIhZd

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 18, 2024

Cousins's four-year, $180 million deal with the Falcons included $100 million guaranteed.

Atlanta is currently 7-7 and sits one game behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-6) in the race for the NFC South.

Penix's first opportunity under center comes on Sunday against the New York Giants (2-12) before a likely Week 17 showdown with fellow rookie Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders (9-5) on Dec. 29.

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