There is zero chance the Atlanta Falcons are going to give Kirk Cousins his starting role back if Michael Penix Jr. is healthy. The veteran quarterback is still on this roster simply because it is the most affordable decision. Atlanta cannot justify trading Cousins unless a team is willing to take on a large portion of a regrettable contract. However, it is important to note Cousins is still practicing and playing for his future in the NFL.
Before Cousins imploded in the second half of the 2024 season, there were already questions about the veteran's arm. Deep throws often appeared to die on the quarterback, and the drive on the ball simply wasn't there with consistency. This led to Atlanta's second-half implosion that Cousins would so kindly offer. The quarterback would insist he was healthy to the Atlanta media, only to turn heel and blame his injuries for the struggles after the season had ended.
Falcons Veteran QB Must Prove He Can Still Perform at a High Level
Make no mistake, it isn't just Atlanta fans that took note of Kirk's change of tune when it came to injury concerns. The Atlanta quarterback, conveniently blaming the failures on undisclosed injuries, may be a path back to starting elsewhere. However, if that is going to happen, teams are going to need to see concrete proof that the quarterback still has life in his arm.
This means Cousins must be able to consistently drive the ball in OTAs and throughout the preseason. If any quarterback injuries come up or a surprise suitor emerges, there must be a comfort level that simply doesn't exist right now.
With this in mind, the next few months are pivotal for Kirk Cousins in proving he has a future in this league. The quarterback is going to need extensive proof that he has put the struggles behind him if there is any hope of winning another starting role. Struggles to begin the offseason program or in the preseason won't have the advantage of being written off simply due to injuries.
Kirk Cousins must prove that any concerns were due to rehab from a notable 2023 injury and carried over to another injury suffered at some point in 2024. Kirk Cousins' chances of earning another chance as a starter are continuing to trend in the wrong direction, putting incredible importance on the next months as the veteran continues to attempt to find one last chance to right the ship.