Who Should I Start? Matt Ryan or Kirk Cousins

Saturday, January 10, 10:17 AM

The Atlanta Falcons are hiring former star quarterback Matt Ryan to be their new President of Football, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports. Atlanta created the position specifically for Ryan, who will now have the final say as the Falcons' decision-maker. Falcons owner Arthur Blank spoke highly of the 2016 MVP, saying, "Throughout his remarkable 14-year career in Atlanta, Matt's leadership, attention to detail, knowledge of the game, and unrelenting drive to win made him the most successful player in our franchise's history. I am confident those same qualities will be a tremendous benefit to our organization as he steps into this new role." The Falcons fired general manager Terry Fontenot and head coach Raheem Morris after finishing 8-9 in 2025, and Ryan will look to bring the franchise back to the playoffs for the first time since his playing days in 2017.

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.