Former Viking Assumes Starting Role He’s Being Paid For

The Minnesota Vikings are working through what one may call “the ups and downs of a young quarterback.” Things didn’t go well for J.J. McCarthy on Sunday against the Chicago Bears, and more often than not this season they ‘ve been rather poor.

Still though, head coach Kevin O’Connell once again opted against a veteran option to test his youngster, when trade rumors started swirling. One of those that was suggested the most was longtime Vikings signal caller Kirk Cousins. Instea, he stuck in Atlanta as the league’s most expensive backup.

Now, though, he’ll step in with all of the experience to his credit.

Kirk Cousins moves into starting role for Atlanta Falcons

On Sunday, the Atlanta Falcons squared off against the Carolina Panthers. With the Falcons at 3-6, they just aren’t a very good team good team, and they couldn’t avoid falling to 3-7, as they did so in an overtime loss. Along the way, starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. went down with an injury. It seems that the injury is going to have a long-term effect, and Kirk Cousins will be called upon more than just what he was on Sunday.

Knee injuries have been something of an issue for Penix over the course of his career. He hurt his left knee earlier this season, and had a pair of ACL tears in his right knee while in college. Being placed on injured reserve at this point in the season isn’t a death sentence, as there is time to return. However, it doesn’t sound like that is likely to be to be in the cards for Penix.

Despite paying Kirk Cousins a serious amount of cash in free agency, the Falcons used a first round pick on Penix last season. He started the final three games of the year, and was QB1 going into 2025. He has a 3-6 record with Atlanta this season, and has completed 60.1% of his passes with a 9/3 TD/INT ratio.

If Penix is to miss the rest of the season, Cousins will get seven games to prove he is worthy of being a starting quarterback in the NFL once again.

Kirk Cousins can earn his payday

At 3-7 it’s pretty hard to think of a scenario in which the Atlanta Falcons make the playoffs. The Minnesota Vikings are a better 4-6, and their year is also essentially over. However, this is a prime opportunity for Kirk Cousins to make good on his contract.

Last season Cousins started 14 games for the Falcons, and completed 66.9% of his passes, but he had a terrible 18/16 TD/INT ratio. Prior to his benching, the team was 7-7. This season he has just one start and has played in three games. He is 32-of-42 (61.5%), but has not thrown a touchdown or interception.

After this season Cousins carries a $35 million dead cap number. Atlanta could opt to move him and look to reset their roster. If they want to make that easier, then Cousins performing in his newly elevated role would act as a vehicle to do so.