That was the joint-highest mark in the NFL—Baker Mayfield, who also threw 16 interceptions, played three more games and threw 41 touchdowns compared to Cousins’ 18.
Cousins, who earns the same annual salary as MVP candidates Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen, also posted his lowest QB rating (88.6) since his backup days with Washington in 2014.
Despite strong rumors in December that he might be cut or even retire, the Falcons are not intending to release him.
NFL Network insider Cameron Wolfe provided an update on the Falcons’ QB situation, stating, “the Michael Penix era has started.”
But that doesn’t necessarily mean that Cousins is out.
Wolfe said: “I spoke to some key executives before the game, and the plan is for Michael Penix to be the starting quarterback.
“Not only next season, but ideally for the next 10 years.
“They feel like they’ve found their guy, and yesterday’s performance was just confirmation—he balled out.”
The Falcons lost 44-38 to the Carolina Panthers, but Penix impressed, throwing for 312 yards, two touchdowns, and adding a rushing touchdown.
Wolfe continued: “But the next question is, what happens to Kirk Cousins?”
“He’s under contract, with some guaranteed money, and from what I understand, the Falcons are not just going to release him.
“They will listen to teams regarding trade offers, but they want to get something in return from that deal.
“They’re also willing to bring him back as a backup quarterback if no trade happens.
“The Michael Penix era has started, and we’ll see if a team this offseason is interested in trading for Kirk Cousins.”
Releasing Cousins would have a significant impact on Atlanta’s salary cap.
Should they release him before March 16, the Falcons would still owe Cousins $27.5 million in guaranteed money, which would result in a dead cap hit of $65 million for next season.
If he remains on the roster past March 16, an additional $10 million of bonus money would become fully guaranteed.
However, if they trade him before June 1, the dead cap hit could be reduced, potentially saving up to $27.5 million.
Head coach Raheem Morris spoke to Cousins on Monday.
While he did not disclose specifics of the conversation, Morris did mention, “Obviously, those things will come up in these same discussions.”
“We’ll make some of those decisions, obviously, with him, considering his contract status and all the factors he’s talking about.
“So, you just never know, and I think that’s part of the process we’ll go through with him right now.”
