Kirk Cousins’ time as QB1 for the Atlanta Falcons is officially over. After a rough 2024 season (we are talking career-worst season in terms of picks), the veteran quarterback finds himself sidelined in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. Cousins, once known for his steady presence under center, now faces an entirely different challenge—reinventing himself from the bench. Well, for a rookie, it sounds like a plan. But for a seasoned signal-caller, it very much sounds like a sign to ‘Hang it up’.

And Cousins’ latest update only further fuels this. It looks like he is pivoting to a new role off the field, joining ESPN’s NFL Countdown.

He took to X and wrote, “Excited to join the NFL Countdown crew today @ESPNNFL.” His announcement was for the ESPN/ABC broadcast of the Houston Texans-Kansas City Chiefs divisional playoff game.

As per ESPN’s press release, Cousins will be a guest analyst on the show. Scott Van Pelt, Ryan Clark, Jason Kelce, Marcus Spears, Adam Schefter, Michelle Beisner-Buck, as well as guest analyst Kirk Cousins, will focus on breaking down the Texans versus Chiefs while also touching upon the entire Divisional weekend.

So it doesn’t look like a complete shift to a new role for the QB. But it is surely a bold new chapter for the 36-year-old, though fans might wonder if this is just the beginning of the end. Think about it this way. Greg Olsen’s success in the booth can be attributed to the fact that he got to call a couple of games for Fox and also in the ESPN studio while he was still actively playing. This led to Fox getting him on board after he eventually retired.

But coming back to Cousins, the decision to bench him wasn’t exactly a shocker. Nine interceptions and one touchdown over five games? That’s a stat line that screams the need for change! Falcons head coach Raheem Morris made it clear: Penix Jr. is the team’s QB1 moving forward. Cousins addressed the media after the news, saying:

Top Comment by JoJo Collins

Opinions, everyone has one. Doesn’t really matter to anyone who isn’t in Kirk’s family to decide. Happy for the time...more

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“It’s pro football, and it was a standard that I have for myself and the team has for me. Unfortunately, I wasn’t playing up to that standard consistently enough.” While he said he would support Penix, the veteran believes he can still start in the NFL. “I didn’t forget how to play quarterback.”

But let’s be real—18 touchdowns paired with 16 picks suggest something’s been off. And when your team tumbles from NFC South frontrunners to barely clinging to playoff hopes, the clock runs out fast. Still, Cousins isn’t signaling the end of his NFL journey. And you can’t expect him to when he sees a 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers having a better season than him with the Gang Green (3,897 yards, 28 TDs, and 11 INTs)… That’s got to sting.

For now, diving into media does seem like the next smart play—think Tony Romo-style, but with a Cousins twist. The guy’s already got the charisma (remember his “You like that?!” moment?) and a reputation for breaking down plays like a pro. Picture this: Cousins in the booth, analyzing a two-minute drill, sprinkling in those dad-joke-level quips he’s known for.

Romo made the transition seamless… Ahem, getting his share of hate (but that comes with the job). Cousins could do the same, connecting with fans in a way that keeps him in the game—just not on the field. Well, that’s one for the future. Currently, he is looking forward to the ESPN gig.

But don’t expect Kirk Cousins to be okay with the backup role…

Picture this: Kirk Cousins, clipboard in hand, nodding approvingly as Michael Penix Jr. takes center stage. Doesn’t feel right, does it? At 36, Cousins probably isn’t Atlanta’s long-term QB1 anymore, but don’t expect him to settle into a backup role without some twists and turns.

The Falcons made a bold move by drafting Penix at No. 8 in April. Now, Cousins’ there to uplift his confidence… And… Well, that’s about it. He played cool till the season ended. Beyond that? It’s anyone’s guess. Would he really stick around as a backup? Slim odds, my friend.

Here’s the kicker: Cousins holds a no-trade clause. Translation? He has got a say in his future. The Falcons, however, have a $65 million dead-money dilemma if they cut him before March 12. Split that into post-June 1 math, and it’s still a hefty $40 million in 2025 and $25 million in 2026. Ouch.

And the contract? Four years, $180 million with $100 million guaranteed—secured the bag, no doubt. But as Joel Corry, former NFL agent, pointed out, the Falcons might release him before that $10 million roster bonus kicks in on March 16. Corry calls any talk of Cousins staying a bluff. Think poker face, not a genuine offer.

Now, let’s talk performance. Cousins led Atlanta to a 7-7 record but also a league-high 16 interceptions this season. His final five games? One touchdown, nine picks, and a passer rating that would make even rookies cringe. Enter Penix, whose mobility and arm flashed promise despite a 1-2 record.

So, what’s next? Cousins says he will be “the best No. 2 quarterback in the league” for now. But come on, does a guy with over 37,000 passing yards, playoff wins, and a history of securing top-dollar contracts really settle for holding a clipboard long-term? Hard to see it. What do you think?