"From Franchise Face to the Bench: Kirk Cousins’ Rough Ride in Atlanta"
In the world of professional football, change is constant, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy—especially when you're a 13-year veteran like Kirk Cousins, suddenly watching from the sidelines. The Atlanta Falcons had big hopes when they inked Cousins to a massive four-year, $180 million deal. But fast-forward just nine months later, and that dream took a hard detour. The starting quarterback job? Snatched away by rookie sensation and first-round pick, Michael Penix Jr.
And it’s not just the fans who are talking. Netflix’s second season of Quarterback added more fuel to the fire, showcasing an emotional moment between Cousins and Panthers backup Andy Dalton. In the episode—filmed shortly after the 2024 season wrapped—Dalton asked a simple, honest question: “How are you holding up?” Cousins' response? Raw and vulnerable.
“Yeah, man, it’s been three weeks and it’s felt like three months,” Cousins replied, clearly weighed down by frustration. “I was just turning the ball over. I couldn’t figure it out.” He went on to explain how turnovers have haunted him in waves throughout his career, citing a similar spiral back in Washington during his third year. “One year I led the league in picks halfway through the season, then came the bye, and I flipped it. But this time... it just didn’t happen.”
That sense of déjà vu is real for Cousins. Back in 2020, he tossed 11 interceptions in just the first six games. But like a true pro, he rebounded strong, throwing only three more over the next ten games. Unfortunately, Atlanta didn’t get that comeback story this time around. There was no flip of the script. No late-season resurgence. Just a steady decline that left both fans and coaches scratching their heads.
Let’s not sugarcoat it—the numbers are rough. Cousins threw a career-high 16 interceptions in only 14 starts, a stat he now shares with Tampa Bay’s Baker Mayfield. But here’s the twist—Mayfield also racked up over 40 touchdown passes, offering at least some redemption. Cousins? He managed just 18—his lowest total in any season where he started at least 10 games.
And it gets worse. During his last five starts for Atlanta, Cousins threw nine interceptions and fumbled the ball five times. It felt like every time he stepped on the field, disaster wasn’t far behind. In fact, in his entire run with the Falcons, he had just one single game without a turnover. Just one. That’s a stat no veteran wants on their résumé, especially when carrying the weight of a $180 million contract.
Here’s the painful irony: ever since taking over as a full-time starter in 2015, Cousins had been remarkably consistent. Yes, he had ups and downs, but he was seen as a steady, mid-tier QB with a reputation for grit and leadership. He’s surpassed 10 interceptions in a season seven different times, but usually balanced that with solid yardage and touchdown production. Atlanta hoped that version of Cousins would show up. Instead, they got a turnover machine.
Of course, no one’s denying the pressure that came with that deal. Big contracts come with big expectations, and Atlanta was hungry for a leader who could elevate their offense. But the 2024 season didn’t go according to script. Not only did Cousins fail to meet expectations, but he also opened the door wide for change—change that came in the form of Michael Penix Jr.
Penix’s arrival wasn’t just symbolic; it was strategic. The Falcons saw something in the young quarterback that made them believe he was the future. And when you’ve got a rookie breathing down your neck, every bad throw, every fumble, every pick feels magnified. Cousins knew it. The front office knew it. And soon, the fans started calling for it.
It’s never easy for a veteran to transition to the backup role, especially not one with Cousins’ résumé. This isn’t a guy who barely scraped by—he’s thrown for nearly 40,000 career passing yards, made multiple Pro Bowls, and led playoff-caliber teams. But football has no loyalty to the past. It’s a “what have you done for me lately?” league, and lately, Cousins hasn’t delivered.
So where does he go from here? Well, the Falcons may keep him around in 2025—but only as a backup, unless a trade offer appears on the table. That’s a tough pill to swallow for a guy used to being under center. But at age 36, with declining numbers and a rookie QB on the rise, Cousins might not have much of a choice.
Still, let’s not forget—football careers are filled with ups and downs. Andy Dalton, who once started for the Bengals and then bounced around as a veteran backup, offered Cousins more than just sympathy during their chat. It was a moment of mutual understanding—two guys who’ve seen the highest highs and the humbling lows of NFL life. “You fight through it,” Dalton said. “You either adapt or get left behind.”
And maybe that’s the biggest takeaway from Cousins’ journey right now. He’s not finished—not yet. But he’s at a crossroads. Will he accept the backup role and mentor Penix? Will he push for a trade to a QB-needy team? Or will this mark the beginning of the end for one of the league’s most resilient, yet polarizing quarterbacks?
There’s no denying Cousins still has knowledge to offer, even if his arm isn't what it once was. Teams might see value in that experience—especially organizations looking for a locker room leader or an injury insurance plan. Don’t be surprised if his name pops up in trade rumors as training camps heat up.
For now, though, Cousins is in limbo. From being the face of Atlanta’s future to standing on the sidelines in a ball cap, clipboard in hand—it’s been a wild, humbling ride. But if we’ve learned anything about Kirk Cousins over the years, it’s that he doesn’t go down without a fight.
🔑 Key Points Recap:
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$180 million contract → bench role in less than a year.
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16 interceptions in 14 starts → tied league lead with Baker Mayfield.
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Only 18 touchdowns → lowest total in a full season for Cousins.
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One turnover-free game in the entire season.
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Replaced by rookie Michael Penix Jr. amid rising turnovers.
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Falcons likely to keep him as backup for 2025, unless traded.
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