FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — For the fourth consecutive season, the Atlanta Falcons started more than one quarterback.
Michael Penix Jr., who was the Falcons’ No. 8 overall draft pick in 2024, started nine games in his second season. Kirk Cousins, who signed a four-year deal worth up to $180 million also in 2024, started the other eight games in his 14th season.
Together, they produced Atlanta's 8-9 record — same as last season. Penix went 3-6. Cousins finished 5-3.
Learn more below about how the Falcons' quarterbacks performed in 2025 and the position group's outlook for 2026.
2025 production:
| Player | Games Played | Starts | Completions / Attempts | Yards | Touchdowns | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Penix Jr. | 9 | 9 | 166 / 276 (60.1%) | 1,982 | 9 | 3 |
| Kirk Cousins | 10 | 8 | 166 / 269 (61.7%) | 1,721 | 10 | 5 |
Standout stat: Only 1.1% of Penix's passes were intercepted, which was the lowest percentage in the NFL among quarterbacks with a minimum of 14 pass attempts per game. Also, dating back to the 2024 season, Penix threw for 2,719 passing yards in the first 12 starts of his career, most among quarterbacks drafted in the last two years.
Big picture: Falcons quarterbacks led the offense to success in the red zone last season. The unit scored touchdowns on 62% of its red-zone drives, which was the ninth-highest efficiency rating in the NFL.
Players under contract for 2026:
- Michael Penix Jr.
- Kirk Cousins
2026 Free agents:
- Easton Stick
- Emory Jones
Biggest question facing the position group in 2026:
Who will be the starting quarterback come training camp?
Penix sustained a season-ending injury to his left knee during the Falcons' Week 11 overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers and had to undergo surgery for a partially torn ACL. Cousins started the remaining seven games.
The standard recovery timeline for Penix's injury is at least nine months. After undergoing surgery in late November, it remains to be seen what exactly his timeline for return will look like next summer, but the Falcons will need to have a plan in place for training camp at quarterback.
That leaves Cousins as the healthy, currently rostered option. However, the Falcons reportedly restructured Cousins’ contract last week and now have a financial deadline of sorts come March 13.
So, given Penix's recovery timeline and Cousins' restructured contract, the Falcons may re-sign either Stick or Jones for a familiar face. Or, the Falcons may look to the draft or free agency for a different option. Once again, the quarterback position is an offseason priority for Atlanta.
