Falcons Bench $180M Cousins; Rookie Penix Jr. to Start vs. Giants

Dec 18, 2024, 01:46 AM

The Atlanta Falcons have announced a significant quarterback change, benching veteran Kirk Cousins in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. Head coach Raheem Morris declared that Penix, the team's first-round draft pick selected eighth overall, will be the starting quarterback moving forward, beginning with Sunday's game against the New York Giants. The decision comes as the Falcons, currently 7-7 and one game behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC South race, look to energize their offense amid Cousins' recent struggles. Over the past five games, Cousins has thrown one touchdown pass against nine interceptions, contributing to a 1-4 record since November 10. Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million contract with $90 million fully guaranteed this offseason and has a full no-trade clause. His benching raises questions about the team's investment, as releasing him would result in significant dead cap implications, including a $65 million dead cap hit if cut before the 2025 league year. Releasing him with a post-June 1 designation would lead to $40 million in dead money in 2025 and $25 million in 2026, with only Russell Wilson having incurred a larger dead cap hit in NFL history. Penix will make his first NFL start, offering the Falcons a potential spark as they pursue their first playoff berth since 2017.