But, regardless of the logic within the Falcons' upper management, Kirk Cousins was caught completely off-guard by Atlanta's selection of Michael Penix Jr. Dakota Zientek is an experienced associate editor for ClutchPoints, covering the NFL, NCAA Football, and the NFL Draft. The Iowa graduate has bylines at FanSided and Pro Football Network.

As the NFL awaits the decisions of Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson in 2025 free agency, another veteran quarterback is itching for his own opportunity to test the market. Despite Kirk Cousins' desire to pursue a starting gig,

If the Steelers don't land Aaron Rodgers, Kirk Cousins could be Pittsburgh's potential backup plan. As Yahoo Sports' Charles Robinson relayed, Cousins is Michael Penix's permanent backup on the Falcons – making the former an "emergency option" for the Steelers if Rodgers chooses the Giants or retirement instead.