“After review we have made the decision Michael Penix will be the Atlanta Falcons starting quarterback moving forward,” Atlanta Falcons HC Raheem Morris had said on December 17 in a statement, in what was an expected decision according to many—or at least the benched QB himself. However, that does not warrant any cold-heartedness from Cousins at all. Instead, Kirk and his wife, Julie, are willing to stand firm by the team, looking forward to the Falcons-Commanders game on Sunday. But it’s not without a touch of nostalgia for their Washington days. But before we get to the meat of the story…

It seems the former Commanders QB has always held a sort of secondary status in the Falcons roster. Remember when the team surprised Cousins during the 2024 NFL Draft by selecting Penix Jr in the first round, just a month after offering the veteran QB a 4 year, $180 million contract? So, basically instead of inducting a player that could help Cousins make the team better, the Falcons front office chose someone who would eventually take over him.

Notably, the HC has consistently maintained that Cousins didn’t have any issues with his new teammate. “I’m going to keep it just between me and him [Kirk Cousins] right now. But it was definitely a good conversation, and I’m super excited to work with him, and he said he’s the same with me,” Morris had said back in April. However, as per The Atlantic‘s Dianna Russini, Kirk was “stunned” and that his “biggest concern is that the pick doesn’t help the team for the upcoming season”.

And now add to that, Cousins’ benching, and you might think Raheem Morris really hates him. But let’s talk about stats: In the Falcons’ 15-9 win vs the Las Vegas Raiders (breaking a four-game losing streak) on December 16, Cousins was just 11-of-17 passing for 112 yards with a touchdown and an interception. In the five games before that, Cousins had nine interceptions and just one touchdown pass. So, yes, Cousins had expected it.

In a conversation with reports on December 17, he had said, “It’s disappointing. But it’s pro football. There’s no entitlement. You’ve got to go out and earn it every single day. If you don’t, you’re always going to be competing and change can happen.” Well, disappointing or not, that doesn’t mean his allegiance the Cousins family’s allegiance is lost, which was amply evident from his Julie Cousins’ heartwarming Instagram updates…

Julie took to Instagram on to share a throwback snap of Kirk on December 27 during his time with Washington, captioning it: “Forever grateful for our first 6 seasons in the NFL on the Redskins (now, Commanders). But let’s get ‘em tomorrow Falcons!” Translation? Sweet memories of the past. But that was the past. Her heart is with the Falcons now. (Where her husband is still part of the team, even if not the starter).

And she’s not done walking memory lane. Another story showed her packed bags with the caption: “DC Bound!!! Haven’t been back to Ashburn, VA since we moved 7 years ago! Cannot wait to go down memory lane with Cooper (who was born here).” Cooper, her eldest son, was born during Kirk’s Washington tenure, making this trip more than just about football. It’s a family reunion with a sprinkle of NFL history.

Julie also gave a nod to their early days in Washington with a throwback to a baby shower she threw for Brianna Way, wife of Commanders’ punter Tress Way. “7 years ago today… threw a sweet baby shower for @brianna.way who’s probably the only one in this photo still on the team!! See you soon!” It’s clear she cherishes those moments, but her loyalty now lies with Atlanta.

For Kirk, this weekend is more than just another game—it’s a reunion with his old stomping grounds. And while he’s not the one taking snaps, the Cousins household is all in for the Falcons. But what about Kirk’s stay in Atlanta? Is it on borrowed time?

Falcons’ future with Kirk Cousins: A messy hand-off?

Alright, let’s talk about the Falcons’ QB drama because, oh boy, it’s like watching a broken screen pass unfold. Kirk Cousins, once the reliable veteran under center, is now playing backup to Michael Penix Jr., the rookie everyone’s buzzing about. Cousins isn’t sulking, though—he’s been the ultimate pro. But let’s be real, how long can that last?

The Falcons have a problem, and it’s a $40 million cap hit sitting on the bench. The front office seems to think Cousins might stick around as Penix’s backup next season, according to The Athletic’s Josh Kendall. But let’s call a timeout here. Why on earth would Cousins agree to that? He’s got a no-trade clause and every reason to make Atlanta squirm. This offseason, it’s not a matter of if the Falcons move on—it’s a matter of how messy it gets.

Here’s the kicker: cutting Cousins means swallowing a $65 million dead-cap pill. Yep, that’s the second-largest in NFL history, right behind the Broncos’ Russell Wilson fiasco. Remember when the Falcons ate $40 million in dead money for Matt Ryan? Looks like they’re back at the table for another round. This time, it’s Cousins, and it’s going to sting—bad.

So, what’s next? Could Cousins land somewhere else? Jeremy Fowler of ESPN thinks Cleveland might be a good fit, reuniting him with Kevin Stefanski. Makes sense on paper, but any team eyeing Cousins will need to check his health stats like a fantasy owner before draft day. Meanwhile, the Falcons are hoping Penix can play savior, much like Bo Nix has for the Broncos this year.

The Penix era has officially kicked off, and his rookie contract is the only silver lining in this storm. If he performs, the dead money won’t hurt as much. But for now, it’s all eyes on Sunday night as Penix faces the Commanders. Will he deliver? Time will have the best answer.