The 2024 NFL season was nothing short of a nightmare for Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins. After a promising yet injury-shortened 2023 campaign, the veteran signal-caller inked a massive four-year, $180 million contract in free agency, with high hopes of bringing stability to a Falcons team desperate for a franchise quarterback. Unfortunately, what followed was arguably the worst season of his 13-year NFL career, filled with injuries, struggles, and ultimately, a benching.
A Shaky Start: Lingering Achilles Issues
Coming off an Achilles tear that abruptly ended his 2023 season, Cousins entered the 2024 season with plenty of questions surrounding his mobility and durability. At 36 years old, recovery was never going to be easy, and it showed in the early games. The veteran quarterback appeared sluggish, struggling to move around the pocket with the same confidence and precision that had defined his career. His mobility issues were apparent, making it difficult for him to evade pressure or extend plays.
Yet, just as he started to regain his footing, Cousins turned a corner in October, leading the Falcons through an impressive stretch where he looked like his old self again. Fans and analysts alike began to believe Atlanta had finally found its groove. But just as quickly as things had improved, they fell apart—hard.
A Brutal Stretch: Injuries Pile Up
The turning point came in Week 10 against the New Orleans Saints. Cousins took a vicious hit that rattled him, and from there, things only spiraled downward. It wasn't just his Achilles anymore—his shoulder and elbow became additional sources of pain, making every throw a struggle. The once-reliable quarterback now looked hesitant, inaccurate, and visibly uncomfortable on the field.
"The challenge I had was—and it sounds strange to say—it was like the rest of my ankle still needed to figure out how to be an ankle again," Cousins revealed in an interview with The Athletic’s Dianna Russini. "And that’s what I was working through, especially early in the season."
While Cousins refused to outright admit that his injuries hampered his play, the results spoke for themselves. After that Saints game, he entered what many consider the worst four-game stretch of his entire NFL career. Falcons fans grew restless, and speculation ran rampant: Was Cousins playing hurt? Had age finally caught up to him? Was the $180 million contract already turning into a disaster?
Falcons Collapse: Playoff Hopes Crushed
Atlanta’s downward spiral began in Week 10 with a stunning loss to the Saints, a game in which they were favored to win. That loss kicked off a brutal four-game losing streak, shaking the team’s confidence and causing many to question the direction of the franchise. Head coach Raheem Morris, faced with mounting pressure, made a bold decision. After a narrow escape against the Desmond Ridder-led Raiders, he benched his highly-paid quarterback.
By Week 16, rookie Michael Penix Jr. took the reins, bringing a fresh energy to the struggling offense. His first start? A dominant win over the New York Giants, sparking brief hope that Atlanta could salvage their season. However, despite Penix’s efforts, the Falcons' defense faltered in the final two weeks, leading to heartbreaking losses that sealed their fate. For the seventh consecutive year, Atlanta missed the playoffs, leaving fans frustrated and searching for answers.
A Harsh Reality Check
For Cousins, the 2024 season was supposed to be about redemption—a fresh start with a team that believed in him enough to offer one of the richest contracts in franchise history. Instead, it became a painful lesson in adversity. He battled through injuries to his ankle, shoulder, and elbow, all while facing mounting criticism and questions about his future in the league.
"So now, I had the right ankle, the shoulder, the elbow—there was a lot I was working through. That was hard," Cousins admitted. And it showed. His struggles weren’t just physical; they were mental. The pressure, the expectations, the constant questioning of his durability—it all took a toll.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Falcons?
With 2024 in the rearview mirror, the big question is: Where do the Falcons go from here? Do they stick with Cousins and hope for a bounce-back year in 2025? Or do they fully commit to Penix as their quarterback of the future? The organization has a major decision to make, one that could define the next era of Falcons football.
There’s no doubt that if Cousins can regain his health and confidence, he still has something left in the tank. But after such a disastrous season, will the Falcons have the patience to wait? Or will they move forward with their young, promising quarterback and cut their losses?
One thing’s for sure: Atlanta’s quarterback situation is anything but settled. With another long offseason ahead, fans can only hope that next year brings more clarity—and fewer disappointments. The franchise desperately needs to break their playoff drought, and it all starts with figuring out who will be under center in 2025.
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