The Atlanta Falcons surprised fans and pundits alike with the decision to keep Kirk Cousins this past offseason. Opting to bring the veteran in as a backup behind Michael Penix Jr. wasn't the offseason expectation. To be fair, it is exactly what the Falcons said they intended to do from the start of the offseason. Atlanta's front office made it clear they would entertain any surprise trade offers but were unwilling to simply cut the quarterback and eat salary.
It set up what was believed to be a difficult situation for the former starter. Cousins coming back into the lineup seemed a likely distraction for Penix. There was also the thought that the veteran could attempt to make waves and force his way out of the franchise. With limited time left to find potential starting jobs, it would be hard to blame Cousins in some ways for this decision. However, the quarterback has taken the complete opposite approach.
Very few headlines have been generated by the presence of the starter. Fans are completely focused on Penix, and it seems pundits have far more interesting stories now demanding their focus. Not only is the veteran refusing to make waves, but he is also willingly embracing the new role.
Kirk Cousins Has Embraced New Falcons Role at QB
When Cousins spoke ahead of camp, the quarterback talked about the importance of doing everything he could to help Penix and the Atlanta offense. Those weren't empty words while the quarterback attempted to force his way out. The backup truly meant the sentiment and has backed it up with how he has handled camp and the preseason.
For the Falcons, it is a welcome change to have zero quarterback drama heading into a season. It has been years since the franchise had zero headlines or questions about the position. For so long, the stability that Matt Ryan brought was taken for granted and went overlooked. Now, the Falcons hope to discover this same feeling as Penix takes over as the unquestioned starter.
Cousins has done an incredible job after an awful ending to the 2024 season. For a player with such a long starting history, it isn't easy to turn the page and sit on the bench. At least outwardly, the veteran has taken it on the chin and is doing his part not to generate any unneeded distractions or stories heading into the regular season. This is all the Falcons could ask of a player who is turning around fan perception after an ugly ending last season.