Either way, the Falcons appear to be committed to Penix as their No. 1 QB going forward after he closed the regular season with three strong performances as the team’s starter, while Atlanta lost four of Cousins’ five final starts. The team could either trade or release Cousins, who also battled injuries last season.

Atlanta Falcons went from 6-3 to 7-7 before head coach Raheem Morris somewhat controversially benched quarterback Kirk Cousins in favor of 2024 first-round draft pick Michael Penix Jr. in an attempt to save Atlanta's playoff hopes.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr.'s promotion to the starting job in place of Kirk Cousins wasn't a surprise -- to everyone but Penix.