After the Atlanta Falcons pulled the ultimate plot twist, benching their $180 million QB for rookie Michael Penix Jr., Kurt Warner pulled no punches. Warner’s got some real talk for Cousins.
With the QB position in such a state of flux, Cousins needs to keep his head straight and focus on the bigger picture.
Kurt Warner: Kirk Cousins’ Struggles Are About Fit, Not Ability
Warner isn’t shy about giving Cousins a reality check after Atlanta’s stunning decision to bench their $180 million QB for rookie Penix Jr. Speaking on “The Dan Patrick Show,” Warner shared his thoughts on Cousins’ situation in Atlanta, and it’s a perspective that goes deeper than just stats.
“I don’t think he was comfortable in Atlanta. I don’t think he’s ever been comfortable in this offense,” Warner said bluntly. He believes that Cousins never truly found his rhythm with the team.
Warner emphasized that, from the outside, it might seem like Cousins’ career is done, but he disagrees. “All of us on the outside are looking at Kirk Cousins and just going, ‘Oh my gosh, he’s terrible. He can’t play anymore.’ And when you watch the film, I don’t think that’s the case,” he alluded, pointing out that there’s more to it than just poor performance.
Having gone through what Kirk Cousins is currently going through, @Kurt13Warner discusses how he'd look at his future as a QB in the #NFL pic.twitter.com/KS48TpUdjo
— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) December 20, 2024
Warner, who went through similar struggles in his career, understands the mental toll a benching can take. “I think if I’m Kirk Cousins in Atlanta, you probably think your career in Atlanta is over for sure,” he acknowledged.
But rather than wallow in doubt, Warner says the key is to remember your own abilities. He encouraged Cousins to view his struggles as a misfit in the system, not a sign of decline.
“If I’m Kirk Cousins, I’m thinking, ‘Okay, that’s not who I am. This offense didn’t fit me. I need to find an offense that fits me because I believe I can still play at a high level,’ and that’s how you hold on to that confidence, even when you’re going through moments like this or you find yourself being benched,” Warner said, highlighting the importance of finding the right system to reignite confidence and performance.
The takeaway here? Despite the rocky road in Atlanta, Kirk Cousins still has plenty of football left in him. He just needs the right opportunity.
Falcons’ $180M Salary Cap Mess Looms Over Future
Coach Raheem Morris pulled the plug on Cousins, handing rookie Penix Jr. the reins. After tossing a brutal nine interceptions and just one touchdown over five games, Cousins’ Atlanta hit a tailspin — 1-4, from first in the NFC South to a 7-7 nail-biter for the playoffs.
But don’t count Cousins out yet. “I didn’t forget how to play quarterback,” he fired back, making it clear he’s still got game. With Penix stepping in, Cousins has three weeks left to play backup, and then who knows?
Cousins’ future is messy. The team’s $180 million man has a no-trade clause, so any decision is as much his as it is Atlanta. Cutting him before March 2025? That’s $65 million in dead money. After June 1? It spreads out.
Either way, Cousins isn’t going down without a fight: he’s got more in the tank, and the league’s not done with him yet.