Who Should I Start? Kirk Cousins or Bryce Young

Thursday, January 29, 3:55 PM

Atlanta Falcons veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins has two years left on his deal, but he's expected to be released in early March after the Falcons restructured his contract so that he'll be owed $68 million if he's on the roster on March 13, according to The Athletic's Josh Kendall. Cousins could be released and re-signed on a less-expensive contract as the Falcons look for insurance at the position behind Michael Penix Jr. (knee). The 37-year-old QB started the final seven games in 2025 after Penix tore his ACL in Week 11. Cousins ranked 37th in the NFL in EPA per dropback and threw for 1,721 yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions in his 10 games (eight starts). Even though new head coach Kevin Stefanski has a previous working relationship with Cousins from their time together with the Vikings in 2019, the feeling is that Atlanta is ready to move on from him this offseason. Penix's recovery this offseason could be the determining factor in whether Atlanta brings Cousins back in 2026.

Tuesday, January 13, 11:55 AM

Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan was non-committal on Tuesday when asked if the team is considering a contract extension for quarterback Bryce Young, according to David Newton of ESPN. "We're still talking through the roster. It's up in the air, and we're still working through it," Morgan said. Young had the best season of his young career in 2025, setting career highs in completion percentage (63.6%), passing yards (3,011), and touchdown passes (23) while throwing 11 interceptions in 16 regular-season starts. The 24-year-old former first overall pick in 2023 led the Panthers to their first postseason appearance since 2018. The Panthers are expected to pick up Young's fifth-year option, but it wouldn't be a surprise if they hold off on a long-term extension until after the 2026 season.