What happened to Kirk Cousins? Why the Falcons’ QB was benched in favor of Michael Penix Jr.

NFL teams rarely make major quarterback changes in the middle of a playoff chase, but the 2024 Atlanta Falcons will go down as an exception to that trend.

A few weeks ago, Atlanta swapped quarterbacks, bringing in rookie Michael Penix Jr. to replace veteran Kirk Cousins.

Considering the Falcons signed Cousins ​​to a significant, multi-year deal in the offseason, it was a surprise that they were willing to bench him in the first year of his contract. Still, Penix has been the Falcons’ starting quarterback ever since and will once again lead the 8-7 team into a big NFC showdown against the Commanders in Week 17.

Why did the Falcons bench Cousins ​​for Penix? Ahead of Atlanta’s Sunday Night Football matchup against Washington, here’s what you need to know about the Falcons’ quarterback situation.

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Why did the Falcons bench Kirk Cousins?

Atlanta has been in the NFC South race all season, but Cousins ​​struggled in the second half. The 36-year-old threw just one touchdown compared to nine interceptions over a five-game stretch before being benched, and the Falcons posted a 1-4 record in those games.

While Cousins ​​has had some highlight moments in a Falcons uniform this season, such as a last-minute comeback against the Eagles in Week 2 and a 509-yard game in an overtime win against the Buccaneers, his performance was declined sharply in recent weeks to force head coach Raheem Morris to make a change.

MORE: The best landing spots for Kirk Cousins ​​in 2025

Considering Atlanta had Penix waiting in the wings behind Cousins ​​with the No. 8 overall pick, it had a talented option to focus on while Cousins’ struggles continued. Cousins ​​had a moment with Penix before his Week 16 debut:

Benched QB Kirk Cousins ​​led his replacement, Michael Penix Jr., in prayer before taking the field 👏

Incredible humility and leadership

pic.twitter.com/QRWLeL1ihN

– Jon Root (@JonnyRoot_) December 22, 2024

Kirk Cousins ​​2024 Stats

Before the November 10 game against the Saints, Cousins ​​was having a solid season with 17 passing touchdowns and seven interceptions. However, the ugly five-game stretch changed a lot.

He is now up to 18 touchdowns to 16 interceptions, a mark that leads the NFL heading into Week 17. Here’s a look at Cousins’ full numbers for 2024, his first year with the Falcons:

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Michael Penix Jr. 2024 Stats

Penix has only been allowed to play in one complete game since taking over as Atlanta’s QB1. However, he did throw passes in two other games earlier this season.

He has yet to throw his first NFL touchdown pass, as he totaled 202 passing yards and one interception in a blowout win over New York after assuming the starting role in Week 16. Here’s a look at Penix’s full numbers:

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Contract with Kirk Cousins

The Falcons signed Cousins ​​to a four-year, $180 million contract in the offseason, taking him away from the Vikings. In his contract, Cousins ​​is guaranteed $100 million.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on December 21 that Cousins ​​is expected to be released by Atlanta before his $10 million roster bonus is due on March 17. He added that a split between Cousins ​​and the Falcons was “inevitable at this point.”