Atlanta’s rookie class was slipping under the radar – until Week 16. That’s when everything changed. Michael Penix Jr. took over as the starting quarterback after ineffective Kirk Cousins, and suddenly, there was life. In just three games, the young QB finished the regular season ranked eighth in PFF’s passing grade with an 84.0. But what’s even more impressive was nine big-time throws to just two-turnover worthy plays. Now that the new season is about to begin in just five months, how does coach Raheem Morris see Penix Jr. regarding the Atlanta Falcons’ future?

We all know that Kirk Cousins is on the radar this offseason, as many expect him to get traded. Although the team hasn’t yet decided on the veteran QB, on Michael Penix Jr, Raheem Morris is crystal clear. How? Well, according to NFL reporter Cameron Wolfe on X, “A solution on Kirk Cousins future may come in a few weeks around the draft, but Falcons 2025 focus is centered on QB1 Michael Penix development & growth — a clear plan that is starting early in offseason with help.”

During a new episode of NFL Network with Ian Rapoport, Wolfe talked about his recent conversation with head coach Raheem Morris. He revealed, “I was talking to Raheem Morris in his coach’s morning session at West Palm and he got about eight straight questions about Kirk Cousins. And finally, he was asked about his starter, Michael Penix, and his eyes kind of lit up. He said, I can’t wait to talk to Michael Penix about his development plan.”

As per the reporter, Raheem Morris made it clear – the Falcons are all in on Michael Penix Jr. This is also evident in the fact that the team is surrounding Penix with experience, even bringing in former QBs like Matt Ryan to guide him. In addition, per Wolfe, Morris wants “to know what his arm routine is. I want to know what he’s eating, where he’s traveling, how many days a week he’s working out.” It’s because they see immense potential in him.

Michael Penix Jr. started just three games last season, but that was enough. The Falcons “were impressed enough that he is the no doubt starter going into this year. So they think they found their franchise quarterback here and they want to build from him. And so he (Raheem Morris) also thinks that his (Penix’s) maturity is why they’re comfortable leaving the Kirk Cousins situation and a bit of limbo as it is right now. They don’t think that Michael Penix will be disturbed if they show into OTAs, and (if) a couple of weeks Kirk Cousins is still on the roster. And when Morris talked about that situation, he said, We don’t expect Kirk Cousins to show up for OTA. So, OTAs will be focused on Michael Penix.”

No doubt, Michael Penix Jr. has shown his power in football. How can we forget his two back-to-back records? While with the Huskies, the QB broke his own record to make history. In 2022, the athlete threw for 4,641 yards, but in 2023, this increased to 4903 yards. Eventually, he became the first Washington Husky in history to throw for more than 4,000 yards in multiple seasons. Impressive, isn’t it? That’s the reason Raheem Morris believes in him and isn’t worried about leaving Kirk Cousins this offseason. Why only Morris? Perhaps even the veteran doesn’t want to stay either.

Kirk Cousins doesn’t want to stay?

Well, yes! If the reports are true, according to D. Orlando Ledbetter, “Kirk is asking to be cut loose.” No doubt the Falcons and Kirk Cousins are on shaky ground. They don’t expect him at voluntary workouts, and now they’re open to trading him. But moving him won’t be easy. Why?

We all know that Cleveland is a rumored landing spot for Kirk Cousins. But boom! Here’s the surprise: The Browns aren’t interested in him now. Why? Well, it’s because they don’t want to take on his massive contract. That’s why Cousins is pushing for a release instead. Atlanta would likely have to cover most of his remaining $180 million deal just to make a trade work. Even then, Cousins has a no-trade clause, meaning he controls where he goes.

Hence, other teams see his contract as impossible to move. Restructuring it could be an option, but that might break league rules. So, now, there are only two real options – keep Kirk Cousins as the highest-paid backup in the NFL or let him go. But if you head coach Raheem Morris, he has made one thing clear – If an opportunity comes, they won’t hold him back. But will they trade him or release him? That’s the big question. But no matter what happens there, Atlanta’s focus is set. They believe they’ve found their franchise quarterback and they’re ready to build around him.