Can Kirk Cousins Save His Job in Atlanta with a Strong OTA Performance?

After a rocky start with the Falcons and the arrival of rookie talent, veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins may need a standout showing at OTAs to hold onto his starting role in Atlanta.

Kirk Cousins’ 2024 season with the Atlanta Falcons was filled with ups and downs. Signed to a four-year, $180 million deal to bring stability at quarterback, Cousins got off to a strong start. He led the Falcons to a 6-3 record with several big performances, including a franchise-record passing day against Tampa Bay and three game-winning drives. But things changed after a hard hit in Week 10 against the Saints caused shoulder and elbow injuries.

After that, the Falcons went on a four-game losing streak, and Cousins threw nine interceptions and just one touchdown. The slump, nicknamed the “Kirkplosion,” led to his benching in Week 16 in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. Cousins finished the season with 16 interceptions, 13 fumbles and a 66.9% completion rate. While the offense looked better early in the year, Cousins’ late-season struggles and injuries left the Falcons at 8-9 and out of the playoffs, raising questions about his future in Atlanta. 

Cousins Has To Prove He's Still Valuable

Rap: Kirk Cousins will play for either #Steelers or #Falcons this season, barring something unexpected.

Aaron Rodgers’ decision looms large. pic.twitter.com/7t4Bv0Yxsj

— Rise Up Walker (@RiseUpReader) April 28, 2025

As the 2025 NFL season gets closer, the Falcons appear fully behind Penix as their starting quarterback. After a rough 2024 season that ended with a benching, it seems unlikely that Cousins will win back the job. Penix’s youth and upside have made him the focus of the team’s future. Still, if Cousins performs well during OTAs, training camp and preseason, the Falcons could explore trading him. His experience and ability to lead could interest other teams, giving Atlanta a chance to move forward with Penix while getting value in return.

While his time as the Falcons’ starter may be over, Cousins still has a chance to shape how his next chapter begins. A focused and productive offseason could open the door for a fresh start elsewhere—one that benefits both him and the team ready to move forward with Penix under center.