Cam Ward, the Miami Hurricanes quarterback, has solidified his status as a top NFL draft prospect following a stellar final collegiate season. After starting his journey at Incarnate Word, Ward made a significant leap when he transferred to Washington State, where he showcased his talent with impressive passing stats and earned All-Pac-12 honors. His decision to transfer to Miami proved fruitful as he threw for over 4,300 yards and 39 touchdowns, earning the Manning Award for the nation's top quarterback and finishing fourth in the Heisman voting.

Ward's journey exemplifies the importance of perseverance in college football, particularly for players who start their careers at lesser-known programs. He is among a group of quarterbacks from the 2020s who have elevated their draft stock in their final years, including notable names like Jayden Daniels, Michael Penix Jr., and J.J. McCarthy, who all made impactful transfers and improved significantly in their final seasons.

One year after the Atlanta Falcons made a bold move by selecting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the decision is starting to pay dividends. The Falcons surprised many when they drafted Penix despite having signed veteran Kirk Cousins to a four-year deal. The initial skepticism has waned as Penix has energized the offense, showcasing his talents and leading the team to improved performances.

The Falcons now look ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft with five picks, including the 15th overall selection. How they choose to build around Penix will be crucial as the franchise aims to solidify its future. The anticipation is building within the fanbase as the team prepares for the upcoming draft and seeks to enhance their roster further.

Kirk Cousins is unlikely to remain the starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, especially after they selected Michael Penix Jr. in the recent draft. Despite having a lucrative four-year contract, Cousins may need a change of scenery to revitalize his career. His performance last season included a disappointing 1-4 record in his final five starts, where he threw just one touchdown and nine interceptions. The Falcons are exploring trade options but are asking for high compensation, complicating matters for potential suitors. Teams like the Steelers, Saints, Browns, Vikings, and 49ers could be interested in his services for different reasons, whether for mentoring, as a stopgap, or due to a need for experience at quarterback.

In a surprising twist at the Atlanta Falcons' offseason workout, quarterback Kirk Cousins made an unexpected appearance. While most expected the high-paid QB to attend, Cousins is navigating a unique situation after being benched for the latter part of the previous season. With the Falcons shifting their focus to Michael Penix Jr. as their starting quarterback, Cousins' presence signals good relations as both sides work on an exit strategy.

The Falcons' Day 1 of voluntary workouts also showcased several key players, including rising star Bijan Robinson and defensive leader Jessie Bates III. Head coach Raheem Morris had initially doubted Cousins would show, but the veteran quarterback seemed to maintain a positive rapport with the team, despite the looming changes in the quarterback position.

Kirk Cousins has made a surprising appearance at the Atlanta Falcons' voluntary offseason program, defying expectations that he would not attend. This comes amid ongoing negotiations regarding his role with the team. Following a disappointing 2024 season, where he lost his starting position to rookie Michael Penix Jr., Cousins is reportedly seeking to be released to pursue a starting role elsewhere. The Falcons, however, are hesitant to let him go, as they have a significant financial commitment to him, including a guaranteed $27.5 million for the upcoming season.

Despite head coach Raheem Morris's previous comments suggesting Cousins would likely miss the voluntary workouts due to the business negotiations at play, his presence has added an unexpected twist to the offseason narrative. With the Falcons also recently signing Easton Stick to bolster their quarterback room, the dynamics of the team's quarterback situation are becoming increasingly complex. The Falcons appear willing to retain Cousins as a backup, but Cousins's preference for a starting role could lead to further complications in the coming weeks.