Falcons GM makes bizarre comment about Kirk Cousins’ future with the team

Falcons GM Terry Fontenot broke his silence on quarterback Kirk Cousins' future in the team, ascertaining he will remain a backup.

Falcons GM makes bizarre comment about Kirk Cousins’ future with the team

Kirk Cousins and Terry Fontenot (Via Sporting News/Falcons Wire)

When the Atlanta Falcons benched quarterback Kirk Cousins, many speculated his time with the team may come to an end soon. Some even went on to speculate potential landing spots for the veteran quarterback. However, it appears that the Falcons aren’t ready to let him go– even if they had to keep him as a backup in a lucrative contract. 

After a 7-7 season under Cousins, the Falcons decided to change the composition of the team by giving rookie Michael Penix Jr. his NFL debut for the remaining three games of the regular season. Although they only won one out of those three games, they have decided to continue having Penix Jr. in the starting role, leaving backup for Cousins. 

YouTube video

In a recent press conference, the Falcons General Manager Terry Fontenot finally broke his silence from the team’s perspective on the ongoing speculations surrounding Cousins, whom they signed in a whopping $180 million contract this season. Not only did he confirm that the quarterback has a future in Atlanta, but he also revealed the position they have planned for him. 

We are very comfortable moving forward with [Kirk Cousins] as backup. Kirk is a great man and he’s been great support for Mike. We are very comfortable moving forward with him as the backup.

Terry Fontenot said

As for the quarterback, he hasn’t addressed the speculations or the statement by the Falcons General Manager regarding his future in the team. However, he did address the media after getting benched and shared that he understands the reason behind it. 

Terry Fontenot discusses plans for Kirk Cousins amid rookie QB transition

After recovering from his torn Achilles injury, when Cousins returned to the field with the Falcons, the team had high expectations for him to perform. General Manager Fontenot referred to it as “high-level quarterback play for two years.” 

Atlanta Falcons backup Kirk Cousins
Atlanta Falcons backup quarterback Kirk Cousins (Via Athlon Sports)

They also have plans to make Cousins play the starter longer, to give the young Penix Jr. enough time to adjust to the transition from college football to the NFL. However, as their attempt with the four-time Pro Bowler collapsed, they had no choice but to get the rookie ready. 

Moving forward, if the Falcons decide to move on from Cousins, they would have two options in hindsight– excluding the scenario where he may opt to retire. The franchise could release him or trade him to another team, however, Fontenot wasn’t too open to discuss the length of the conversation. 

Related: Lions’ Amon-Ra St. Brown reverts to blue hair in hopes for another playoff run