NFL Trade Rumors: Atlanta Falcons Will Continue to Start Quarterback Kirk Cousins

The Atlanta Falcons aren't ready to make a drastic change at quarterback quite yet. Head coach Raheem Morris took time to defend quarterback Kirk Cousins following the Falcons' 42-21 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, insisting the 36-year-old will remain the starter.

Raheem Morris remains steadfast in public support of Kirk Cousins after the Falcons' fourth consecutive loss.

🔗 "Kirk Cousins is our quarterback." https://t.co/EwGKAa5VXj
— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) December 8, 2024

The Falcons are in the midst of a nasty four-game losing streak for which Cousins is partly responsible. Over the past month, the four-time Pro Bowler has thrown eight interceptions to zero touchdowns, and the Falcons have accumulated a horrendous -60 point differential.

Because of those stumbles, the Falcons have surrendered what once appeared to be an insurmountable lead in the NFC South. At 6-7, the Falcons are now a game behind the 7-6 Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the top spot in the division, but they hold favorable tiebreakers after beating the Bucs in both their intradivisional matchup.

The Falcons can proclaim confidence in Cousins all they want, but they tipped their hand at the 2025 NFL Draft. Despite inking Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract in March, the Falcons drafted Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick. Clearly, the Falcons don't view Cousins as their long-term future at quarterback.

Still, the fact that the Falcons aren't yet willing to start Penix is curious. Cousins is pulling off the ignominious feat of leading the NFL in interceptions (15) AND fumbles (12). It's hard to believe Penix would be significantly more mistake-prone, but it's possible the Falcons are more concerned with protecting him than saving their season.

Ultimately, Cousins' days as the Falcons' starter were numbered from the moment the team drafted Penix. Unfortunately, cutting him next year would saddle the Falcons with an outrageous $65 million in dead money. In a perfect world, Cousins would play well enough over the season's closing stretch to become a trade asset. That way, the Falcons could unload his $27.5 million in guaranteed salary for the 2025 season onto some other team. As much as starting Cousins could preserve Penix, it may also be a shrewd business move.