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Kirk Cousins left the Minnesota Vikings for a huge contract with the Atlanta Falcons.
But less than two seasons later, Cousins is a backup. The story didn't go as planned.
The Falcons now have Michael Penix Jr., a second-year QB, as their first-stringer. And when Atlanta takes on Minnesota on Sunday Night Football, Cousins will have no choice but to watch.
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Why is Kirk Cousins the Falcons' backup QB?
Cousins is the Falcons' backup because they decided to commit to a young quarterback.
They chose Penix with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, not long after signing Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract.
Cousins started for most of the 2024 season, but by the time he had thrown a league-worst 16 interceptions, it was time for Cousins to take a seat.
Penix started at the end of last season and performed well enough, especially throwing the ball down the field, to be the unquestioned starter heading into this season.
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Cousins was a cut and trade candidate in the offseason, but it wasn't logical to release him for dead money reasons, and there evidently weren't any major suitors.
He could still be a trade candidate in the weeks to come as QBs get injured. There's been some speculation about the Bengals pursuing him if Joe Burrow has to miss extended time.
But for now, Cousins is on the sideline, one injury away from entering the game, but being paid a lot of money to just stand there and wait.
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