Photo by Gene Gallin
The Atlanta Falcons did something big. They picked a new quarterback, Michael Penix Jr., even though they already promised another player, Kirk Cousins, a lot of money to be their main quarterback. It’s like when you get a new toy but still have your old favorite one.
Suddenly, everyone’s talking about what will happen to Kirk Cousins.
When the Falcons chose Penix with the eighth pick in the NFL Draft, it was a curveball. Cousins had just signed a huge deal for $180 million, and $100 million of that was his no matter what. Now, with Penix on board, folks are scratching their heads. Will Cousins even get to play much?
On ESPN’s “The Bill Barnwell Show,” Bill Barnwell and Robert Mays from The Athletic chewed over this pickle. They pondered what Penix joining the team means for Cousins’ future with the Falcons. It’s a real head-scratcher, isn’t it?
“Kirk Cousins trade speculation has already begun after the Falcons drafted Michael Penix Jr.” That’s the buzz going around.
Mays quizzed Barnwell about Cousins’ contract, specifically if he could be traded. Barnwell confirmed Cousins has a no-trade clause, but he could choose to let it go. He might agree to step aside for Penix after the season wraps up. Barnwell thinks it’s quite possible, given the situation.
“… if the Falcons are like, ‘Hey, you’re going to sit behind Michael Penix for the rest of this contract, or for another year,’ I don’t think Kirk’s [Cousins] going to sit there and make $27.5 million next year to sit on the bench,” Barnwell stated.
Barnwell even tossed out the idea that the Las Vegas Raiders might snag Cousins after the 2024 season.
The Raiders, meanwhile, have their own quarterback story. They signed Gardner Minshew and have a rookie, Aidan O’Connell, but Cousins would likely jump to the front of the line if he joined them.
But hey, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. This is all what-ifs and maybes. For now, Cousins is staying put, and Penix has to wait for his turn to shine.
