Falcons make QB change, showing the risk of overpaying for mediocrity

Former Rams coach Raheem Morris is dealing with a mess in Atlanta

Former Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris has dealt with an immense amount of pressure since getting his second opportunity to be a head coach, and the rollercoaster continued on Tuesday with the announcement that the Falcons are benching Kirk Cousins for rookie Michael Penix, Jr..

There have long been rumors of Kyle Shanahan’s interest in reuniting with Kirk Cousins after the two had a good relationship together (with Sean McVay involved too) in Washington. With Brock Purdy’s deal up for negotiation in 2025, will the 49ers bring Cousins into the NFC West as a replacement for Purdy in 2025?

Though the Falcons were criticized for drafting Penix after signing Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract, the move at least gives Atlanta an out when it comes to ending their relationship with Cousins, who is now arguably the most expensive “bridge quarterback” in history.

It appears that no matter what the Falcons do now, they will incur $65 million in cap charges if they release Cousins:

• Either a $65 million dead cap hit in 2025
• Or spreading that cap out in 2025-2026 if they release him with a post-June 1 designation

The Falcons would prefer to trade Cousins, but they need to convince a team that he is worth something and right now that does not appear to be the case. Not only because Cousins is having a bad season, but he’s also such a limited quarterback. At least when it comes to what Morris wanted him to do, which was stay in the pocket, play out of shotgun, and never run play action.

Cousins would most likely rather play for Shanahan. But does Shanahan still want Cousins? And what would he do with Purdy?

As criticized as Atlanta has been for their QB moves this year, they could set off the dominos to change the landscape of the NFL next season.