Steelers News•Steelers Opponents
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) walks to the line during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Atlanta. The Chargers defeated the Falcons 17-13. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
Two off-seasons ago, Kirk Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons. The veteran quarterback, who’d made three Pro Bowls in six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings was 36 and coming off an Achilles tear.
Then, the Falcons made the head-scratching decision to select Washington signal-caller Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 overall choice in the 2024 NFL Draft. Penix was coming into the league older than most college passers and was viewed as an NFL-ready guy. This caused confusion across the sports world — Why draft a QB who would be 28 by the time Cousins’ contract expires?
Cousins started the 2024 season as the starter and led the Falcons to a 7-7 record, passing for 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. He was benched in favor of Penix for the final three games. The Falcons kept Cousins on the bench this season, even after much speculation about what his next step would be.
Cousins started in eight games in relief for an injured Penix, posting a 5-3 record, and passing for 1,721 yards, 10 touchdowns and five interceptions.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins warming up.
The situation is expected to reach a turning point, as the Falcons are widely projected to release Kirk Cousins before the start of the new league year in March. Moving on from Cousins would allow Atlanta to avoid paying additional guaranteed money and allow Cousins to choose his next team, while also fully committing to Penix as the team’s long-term starter.
With Penix developing as the clear future of the franchise and Cousins still capable of contributing at a high level, a release would likely give the veteran quarterback an opportunity to pursue a starting role elsewhere. While his time in Atlanta may end sooner than originally planned, Cousins’ performance in relief has shown that he still has value in the league and could be an attractive option for teams in need of an experienced quarterback.
If released, Kirk Cousins could quickly become a strong option for the Pittsburgh Steelers, as they have been searching for stability at the quarterback position. His experience, accuracy, and decision-making would make him a natural fit in Mike McCarthy’s West Coast–style offense, which emphasizes quick reads, timing routes, and short-to-intermediate throws.
Cousins has built his career on rhythm passing, getting the ball out quickly, and operating efficiently from play-action, all traits that align well with the system’s structure. For Pittsburgh, adding a veteran like Cousins could provide immediate consistency and leadership while maximizing the production of their skill players.
If paired with a strong running game and solid defense, Cousins’ skill set could help the Steelers remain competitive while waiting until next year to try and get a guy in the 27’ draft, or while Will Howard takes the next step. Cousins will be 38 by the start of next season so the question will be do the Steelers want to continue their streak of bridge QB’s or take a shot on a guy this offseason in the draft.
Mentioned In This Article: Atlanta Falcons Kirk Cousins Michael Penix Jr. Pittsburgh Steelers Steelers