The Atlanta Falcons’ quarterback situation drew significant attention during the recent NFL Scouting Combine, as national media discussed the team’s options following key updates from management.
General manager Ian Cunningham confirmed that veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins will be released at the start of the new league year on March 11, with a post-June 1 designation. Meanwhile, head coach Kevin Stefanski and Cunningham reported that Michael Penix Jr. is “on track” in his recovery from an ACL injury sustained in 2025. Penix underwent surgery in November.
According to Emory Healthcare, while athletes can reach return-to-competition stages around seven to eight months after ACL surgery, full recovery often takes between 12 and 18 months. Emory states that “professional athletes take one year to return to high-level competition.” Neither Penix nor the Falcons have provided a detailed timeline for his return.
At the combine, several national analysts agreed that Atlanta should reinforce its quarterback depth given these uncertainties.
Cam Wolfe of NFL Network stated: “Let’s call it what it is: They have to add a quarterback. First of all, I believe in Michael (Penix). I believe that Michael will be the starting quarterback when he is healthy, but hope is not a strategy. You can’t hope he’s going to be ready in Week 1 or hope he’s ready in July. So, I think they need to put resources into a strong solution, whether that’s going into free agency and saying — not him per se — but is there a Daniel Jones type of player where we are spending $10 million on a quarterback who may ultimately be a backup, but he could also start Week 1 for you? I think they have to be willing to make those investments, and that’s not a $3 million spend. That’s not a use a fifth-round pick on a rookie. That’s an investment.
“I don’t know if we’re expecting a first-round surprise, but would it surprise me if they spent a second- or third-round pick on a quarterback? No. Would it surprise me if they spent a decent amount of money on a quarterback in free agency? No. I think you have to prepare yourself as if this guy is going to be your starter all offseason, and at some point, you get Michael back during the season.”
Judy Battista from NFL Network added: “You obviously have to get a backup that you feel comfortable can play some games, because you don’t know what the timeline is (for Penix). And Penix has been up and down. You have seen flashes of, ‘Wow. Is this what it’s going to be?’ but it’s been uneven. So, you have to insulate yourself, because even if he comes back, you have to prepared.
“We saw it so much in the NFL this year: Quarterbacks rarely play all 17 games, unfortunately, in the NFL. So, you have to be ready with a backup who can go in there and win games, and potentially win a few games. They have to get that in the building.
“I also think it would be better if they had a quarterback who has had some experience who can help (Penix) develop. I think those are the most successful quarterback rooms in the NFL. It’s one where you have a young quarterback, you have a veteran who has been through it all and can mentor him and be a sounding board. Kevin Stefanski will obviously be a sounding board too but having peer there helps young quarterbacks too.”
CBS Sports’ Bryant McFadden said: “You hope for speedy recovery for Penix…but you also must prepare as if that’s not the case.” He noted that Stefanski’s past approaches suggest seeking out veteran presence just in case Penix isn’t available for Week 1: “You want capable quarterback who can keep things afloat until your young QB is ready…That could be veteran guy who’s not threat in terms of competition…Give me keys until he’s ready…do my best job make sure we’re winning games…”
Dan Graziano from ESPN commented: “Michael Penix’s health is such key part of (the Falcons’ overall direction). It sounds positive on that front but without knowing for sure what his offseason looks like it’s hard really peg it….There are lot good players but comes down—as does every team—to QB situation…”
The Atlanta Falcons compete as part of the NFC South division and are based out of Atlanta since their establishment as an expansion team in 1965 (official website). The franchise has advanced twice to Super Bowls—reaching championship games in both 1998 and 2016 (official website).
