Who Should I Start? Kirk Cousins or Jared Goff

Thursday, January 9, 12:26 PM

Atlanta Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot said that the team is comfortable moving forward next year with quarterback Kirk Cousins as the backup to Michael Penix Jr. It's very unlikely that Cousins will be in Atlanta next year as a backup with a $40 million salary cap hit. The more likely outcome this offseason is that the Falcons end up trading Cousins to a team looking for a veteran QB while they find their signal-caller of the future in the draft. If Cousins were to be cut before June 1, he'd carry a $65 million cap hit for 2025. The 36-year-old is also due a $10 million roster cut on March 17, so if he's not traded, Atlanta is expected to cut him before then. Cousins was benched for Penix in Week 16 and ended up being a bust after signing a four-year, $180 million deal last offseason. The four-time Pro Bowler threw for 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns and a league-high 16 interceptions in his 14 starts.

Sunday, January 19, 12:06 AM

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff completed 23 of his 40 pass attempts for 313 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions during Saturday's loss to the Washington Commanders. He also rushed for seven yards, took two sacks, and lost a fumble. It was an eventful day for Goff, whose first and only playoff game of the year ultimately resulted in an upset loss. He delivered four turnovers in the defeat, and he also missed a drive while being evaluated for concussion. Immediately upon being cleared to play, Goff didn't quite look like himself. Even when he started to find his groove again, he wasn't able to lead the Lions over the Commanders. He finished as the overall QB6 in fantasy football during the regular season, but his lone playoff appearance was one to forget. The veteran signal-caller could face some adversity this offseason if the Lions lose offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and have to implement a new offensive scheme. Still, he should rank as a low-end QB1 in 2025, largely thanks to his bevy of weapons.