The Atlanta Falcons left the 2025 NFL draft with five new players, including two first-round edge rushers. It was the first time in Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot’s tenure that the team did not draft an offensive player in Round 1.

With the 2025 season still a few months away, we thought it would be a good time to preview each position on the roster. Today, we begin by examining Atlanta’s quarterback room.

QB Depth Chart (3):

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Penix enters the season as the unquestioned starter, but Cousins’ presence still feels slightly odd. At this point, we have to believe the Falcons aren’t bluffing about keeping the high-priced veteran QB. Assuming he’s still on the roster, Cousins will serve as a quality backup. Easton Stick, who has 1,133 passing yards, three touchdowns and one career interception, should be the third-string QB this season.

2025 salary cap hits

When your backup quarterback makes seven times more than your starter, it’s usually a sign that somebody messed up. Cousins would likely prefer to play elsewhere, but the Falcons have no incentive to do him any favors. Unless the team can get another team to pay a chunk of Cousins’ salary, it’s hard to imagine him playing elsewhere in 2025. Atlanta could get out of his contract next season for considerably less.

Top free agents available:

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The Falcons have no real reason to add another veteran quarterback. The only scenario I could see them signing another QB would be if they release or trade Cousins and want to add a more established backup behind Penix. Wentz and Huntley could be options in this scenario.

Predictions/expectations for 2025

Penix showed enough upside in his three starts last season that we don’t anticipate any QB controversies in 2025. The former No. 8 pick in the draft has all the tools to be a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback. With a talented surrounding cast and a rifle for an arm, Penix has a real chance to lead the team to the postseason for the first time since 2017.

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This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons QB breakdown: Michael Penix, Kirk Cousins, Easton Stick