NFL

Not Kirk Cousins: Falcons bring in veteran quarterback to mentor Michael Penix Jr. for 2025 NFL season

The Atlanta Falcons are bringing in a new veteran quarterback to mentor Michael Penix Jr. for the 2025 NFL season—but it won’t be Kirk Cousins.

Kirk Cousins, quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons
© Todd Kirkland/Getty ImagesKirk Cousins, quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons

Rumors suggest that the Atlanta Falcons won’t continue with Kirk Cousins, and they have taken the first step toward their separation. The NFC South club has confirmed that a new veteran quarterback will serve as the mentor for Michael Penix Jr. in the 2025 NFL season.

Last year, the Falcons made a blockbuster move by acquiring Kirk Cousins. The club was in need of a veteran quarterback, and the former Vikings player was the best option available in free agency.

However, a few weeks later the NFC South team shocked many by acquiring another quarterback. In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Falcons used their first-round pick to select Michael Penix Jr., a decision that didn’t sit well with Kirk Cousins.

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Falcons add a new veteran quarterback to be Michael Penix Jr.’s mentor in 2025

When the Falcons announced the arrival of Kirk Cousins, many fans believed they would wait longer before drafting a new quarterback. Nevertheless, it only took a couple of weeks for them to act, drafting Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick in 2024.

Falcons S Justin Simmons makes something clear about Michael Penix Jr ahead of 2025 NFL season

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No one expected the Falcons to use their first-round pick on a quarterback after signing Kirk Cousins. According to reports, the veteran was not comfortable with this decision, interpreting it as a clear message that the front office didn’t trust him to be the starter beyond one or two years.

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Cousins did not have a great debut season and was even benched at the end of the campaign. Now, rumors swirl that the club may move on from him this offseason, and it appears they have already taken the first step in that direction.

Head coach Raheem Morris told Cameron Wolfe that the Falcons are bringing back Matt Ryan to mentor Michael Penix Jr. for the 2025 season. His exact role has not been specified—he may only serve as a coach rather than as a backup for the young quarterback.

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Matt Ryan

Matt Ryan will return to the Atlanta Falcons to mentor Michael Penix Jr. in the 2025 NFL season

This decision is being seen as a direct message to Kirk Cousins regarding his future with the club. With him on the roster, there would be no need to bring in Matt Ryan or other veterans, which is why many fans believe that Cousins will not continue with the Falcons this year.

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Can the Falcons trade Kirk Cousins?

Kirk Cousins’ future remains very uncertain. While the Falcons are reportedly moving on from him in favor of Michael Penix Jr. as their starter, the veteran is still under contract with the club and has a no-trade clause that complicates matters.

NFL News: Kirk Cousins receives blunt admission from Falcons HC Raheem Morris amid Browns trade rumors

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However, reports indicate that Cousins may waive his no-trade clause, though it is unclear when that might occur. Rumors suggest it could be after the 2025 NFL Draft, a scenario that would put the Falcons in a difficult spot since they intend to trade him before the event to acquire additional draft stock.

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