The Michael Penix Jr. era in Atlanta officially begins as he takes over as the starting quarterback. After being drafted 8th overall last year, Penix was initially a backup to Kirk Cousins, who struggled during the season. With Cousins sidelined, Penix had the opportunity to lead the team in the final three games, showcasing his potential. The Falcons enter the 2025 draft with limited picks, having traded their third-round selection for linebacker Matt Judon and losing a fifth-round pick due to anti-tampering violations. This marks the first time since 2020 that the Falcons lack a top-10 draft pick, shifting their focus to strengthening their roster after four consecutive years of selecting offensive playmakers in the first round.

The Atlanta Falcons are making strategic decisions ahead of the 2025 NFL draft, including the re-signing of nickel CB Dee Alford, who will replace Clark Phillips III. Michael Penix Jr. is projected to be the starting quarterback after a promising rookie season, supported by talented players like Pro Bowler Bijan Robinson, who shined last year with 1,456 rushing yards. Wide receivers Drake London and Darnell Mooney are expected to excel, especially with Penix's aggressive playstyle. On defense, the Falcons are focusing on building depth, with key contributors like Leonard Floyd and impactful rookies potentially stepping up this season. The upcoming draft will be crucial for addressing remaining needs.

Kirk Cousins' high-profile presence in the Atlanta Falcons' quarterback room raises questions about team dynamics as Michael Penix Jr. steps into the starting role. Falcons owner Arthur Blank acknowledges Cousins' professional demeanor but hints at potential trade scenarios, especially with the Cleveland Browns. With a massive contract, Cousins represents both a significant investment and a safety net for the franchise. Despite a rocky previous season, Blank's faith in Cousins remains, suggesting he could be an essential asset, even as the team transitions to a new starter. The dilemma lies in balancing respect for Cousins' stature with the need for a viable backup plan in a league where quarterbacks often face injury risks.

The Atlanta Falcons are facing a significant decision regarding quarterback Kirk Cousins, who was recently relegated to backup status behind Michael Penix Jr., their newly appointed starter. Cousins, despite his significant contract worth $180 million over four years, has expressed a desire to find a starting role elsewhere, creating a complicated situation for the Falcons as they weigh the possibilities of trading, releasing, or retaining him as an expensive backup. Coach Raheem Morris emphasized the team's intention to facilitate Cousins' success while also considering the financial implications of a trade, which could be difficult given his $40 million cap hit.

As discussions unfold, the Falcons are left with the challenge of managing Cousins' high salary against the backdrop of Penix's development. The organization is committed to finding a solution that serves both parties well, although cutting Cousins would result in substantial dead money. This precarious balance hints at an inevitable split between Cousins and the Falcons, with the timeline for resolution remaining uncertain.