For the fourth straight season, the Atlanta Falcons started more than one quarterback. In 2025, Michael Penix Jr., selected as the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 draft, started nine games in his second year. Kirk Cousins, who joined the team on a four-year contract worth up to $180 million in 2024, started eight games during his 14th NFL season.
The two quarterbacks combined for an 8-9 record for Atlanta, matching last season’s result. Penix recorded a 3-6 record as a starter while Cousins finished at 5-3.
Penix had only 1.1% of his passes intercepted—the lowest rate among NFL quarterbacks with at least 14 pass attempts per game. Since entering the league in 2024, he has thrown for 2,719 yards over his first twelve starts, which is more than any other quarterback drafted in the past two years.
The Falcons’ offense ranked ninth in red-zone efficiency last season by scoring touchdowns on 62% of its red-zone drives.
Looking ahead to next season, both Penix and Cousins remain under contract for 2026. Easton Stick and Emory Jones are set to become free agents.
A key question for Atlanta is who will start at quarterback during training camp. Penix suffered a left knee injury—a partially torn ACL—during Week 11 against Carolina and required surgery that ended his season. The typical recovery time is at least nine months; after undergoing surgery in late November, it is unclear when he will return next summer.
Cousins remains healthy and on the roster but recently had his contract restructured with a financial deadline approaching on March 13. The team may consider re-signing Stick or Jones or look elsewhere through the draft or free agency as they address their quarterback situation this offseason.
The Atlanta Falcons operate from Atlanta, Georgia and play in the National Football League’s NFC South Division since joining as an expansion franchise in 1965 official website. The team has reached the Super Bowl twice—in both 1998 and 2016 official website. Freddie the Falcon serves as their mascot official website.
