The Falcons signed Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract this offseason in the hopes he was the missing piece that could thrust them back into the playoffs. But Atlanta was officially eliminated from postseason contention Sunday afternoon.

The Falcons drafted Washington standout Michael Penix Jr. in the first round, which was a surprise to Cousins. Penix, who was considered one of the more pro-ready quarterback prospects in the class, will make his first NFL start this Sunday against the New York Giants.

The Atlanta Falcons shelved quarterback Kirk Cousins ahead of their Week 15 matchup with the New York Giants, the first time in years Cousins was a QB2 while healthy. And things only got worse from there.

Linebacker JD Bertrand, a fifth-round pick, has played 131 snaps. Defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro, a second-round pick, has played 104. Defensive tackle Brandon Dorlus, a fourth-round pick, has played 19 and was inactive for the 12th time on Sunday.

The Kirk Cousins fiasco for the Atlanta Falcons led to a $180 million decision, and the winner was Michael Penix Jr. and the Falcons. So far.

The Falcons’ offseason is going to be dominated by Kirk Cousins, the highest-paid backup quarterback of all time (don’t fact-check me). After giving the

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins has been a quality backup to rookie Michael Penix Jr., said head coach Raheem Morris.

When the Atlanta Falcons signed Kirk Cousins to a massive four-year deal last offseason, expectations for the team shot up. They already had high-end skill position talent with guys like Bijan Robinson,

It’s almost the end of the season, which means it’s award time! The Falcons had a pair of Pro Bowlers in Chris Lindstrom, who earned his second straight bid, and KhaDarel Hodge, who earned the first Pro Bowl honor of his career.