NFL · NFC South · Est. 1966 · Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Updated March 16, 2026
Kirk Cousins struggled through an inconsistent 2025 campaign, throwing 18 interceptions as the Falcons limped to a 6-11 record. Atlanta's massive investment in Cousins looks increasingly like a miscalculation, and the front office is now exploring every avenue to upgrade the quarterback position this offseason.
After riding the bench for most of 2025, Michael Penix Jr. started the final four games and showed enough flashes to make the Falcons' quarterback decision genuinely interesting. Penix threw for 1,050 yards with 7 touchdowns and 3 interceptions in his audition, and all signs point to him entering 2026 as the starter.
A 6-11 season has put Raheem Morris in a precarious position entering year two. Owner Arthur Blank has historically shown patience, but the combination of a bloated Cousins contract and a roster that underperformed its talent level has created real pressure on the coaching staff to show immediate improvement.