November, the Atlanta Falcons didn't anticipate having conversations about the future of quarterback Kirk Cousins-- but now, they have no choice. And the Falcons are locked in a world of complications.

Good thing Michael Penix Jr. is playing on a rookie contract because Cousins will be expensive for the Falcons no matter where he plays.

Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot claims benched quarterback Kirk Cousins could stick around Atlanta as a high-paid backup next season. Fontenot said Thursday the franchise has no plan to release Cousins before his $10 million roster guarantee five days into the start of the new league year March 12,

When the Atlanta Falcons benched Kirk Cousins for rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. late in December, the move signaled a shift toward the

Kirk Cousins’ future hangs in the balance. Whilst rumors have floated around about his future, surrounding potential trades, the front office have downplayed notions of Cousins’ impending departure, insisting – somewhat curiously – that they would be happy for him to stick around on the team.

Kirk Cousins and the defense. They will have to explore ways of getting rid of the veteran while supporting their franchise quarterback in Michael Penix Jr.