Kirk Cousins may have had a rough patch recently, but it’s premature to write off his career, especially considering his earlier performance with the Atlanta Falcons. Over the last five games, Cousins faced significant struggles, managing only one touchdown pass against a staggering nine interceptions, which ultimately led to him being benched in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. during a crucial playoff pursuit.

Despite these challenges, it’s important to note that Cousins was a standout performer earlier in the season. He boasted a formidable passer rating of 117.2 and played a pivotal role in leading his team to a thrilling comeback win against the Philadelphia Eagles in week two, just a short time after returning from Achilles tendon surgery. Additionally, he showcased his skills with impressive yardage and touchdowns against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, throwing for 509 yards and four touchdowns in their early October matchup.

However, following those commendable performances, Cousins experienced a downturn, prompting Falcons coach Raheem Morris to make a bold choice by substituting him for Penix. The Falcons then faced a tough stretch, losing four consecutive games against formidable opponents, including the Broncos and Chargers, before managing a win over the Raiders. Cousins only participated minimally in that game, completing 11 of 17 passes for 112 yards, with one touchdown and one interception, which wasn’t enough to retain his starting position.

Now, the eighth overall pick in the most recent NFL draft, Penix, is set to make his first career start against the struggling New York Giants, as the Falcons aim to capitalize by relying on their running backs, Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier, for a heavy workload. Cousins will remain on the sidelines, relegated to an expensive backup role following a significant four-year, $180 million contract, of which $100 million is guaranteed. The contract’s no-trade clause further complicates his potential exit from Atlanta, although he is just one injury away from returning to play.

Cousins’ journey is far from over, even as he faces immediate challenges. Two weeks prior, coach Morris had acknowledged his contributions to the team’s earlier successes, noting his role in securing a winning record in the division. As Cousins approaches 37 before the 2025 season begins, he still has the potential to contribute significantly. He retains the option to decline any trade offers, leaving the possibility of a release from the team — albeit with a hefty dead-cap hit looming over the Falcons.

Cousins remains focused on his performance and helping his team strive for playoff entry. “It’s pro football. There’s a standard for myself and the team,” he stated regarding his recent struggles. He emphasizes his commitment to staying prepared and supporting his teammate, Mike Penix, in the effort to turn their season around. As several teams head into the offseason seeking starting quarterbacks, including the Giants and the Raiders, Cousins finds himself still in the conversation as a capable starter, rather than merely accepting a backup position, as there continues to be a demand for competent quarterbacks across the league.

The NFL has not seen the last of Kirk Cousins, and his future in the sport remains an open book with many chapters still left to write.