Kirk Cousins has had a remarkable NFL career, but it seems the time has come to ask if his days as a starting quarterback in the league are over. After signing a significant contract with the Atlanta Falcons and dealing with a serious Achilles injury, the decline in Cousins’ performance has become undeniable. It raises the question: has Kirk Cousins reached the end of his career?

The Kirk Cousins Signing: A Bold Move for Atlanta

When the Atlanta Falcons signed Kirk Cousins to a 4-year, $180 million contract in the offseason, many were surprised. Despite his age (36) and a major Achilles injury, the Falcons believed Cousins could provide stability and elevate their offense. His previous season with the Minnesota Vikings, where he was playing at an MVP-caliber level, made the decision even more interesting. However, the signing came with risks, and those risks are becoming evident as the season progresses.

Cousins’ Achilles injury, particularly a tear in his right leg, has been a major factor in his declining performance. As a quarterback, the strength of your plant leg is crucial for driving the ball with power and precision. After sustaining such a serious injury, it’s clear Cousins hasn’t been able to regain the strength he once had, and this is starting to show in his performances.

Physical Decline and Poor Performances

Despite flashes of brilliance early in the season, Cousins’ performances have steadily declined. He started the year with solid outings, including a thrilling game against the Philadelphia Eagles and a close contest against the Kansas City Chiefs. However, as the weeks went on, his arm strength diminished, and poor decision-making became more frequent.

The turning point came in a disastrous game against the Los Angeles Chargers, where Cousins threw four interceptions, including a pick-six. The most troubling part was the lack of velocity on his throws—his passes lacked zip, making them easier for defenders to read and intercept. It became painfully obvious that his physical abilities were deteriorating, and at times, he looked like a shadow of the quarterback he once was.

The Falcons’ Quarterback Dilemma

With Cousins’ performance on the decline, the Atlanta Falcons are left with a difficult decision. They had hoped Cousins would be their quarterback of the future, but it’s becoming apparent that they may need to make a change sooner rather than later. Rookie Michael Penix Jr., drafted with the 8th overall pick, could be the answer to the Falcons’ quarterback woes.

Penix, who is 24 years old, was a surprising selection given the Falcons’ investment in Cousins. However, the more the season progresses, the clearer it becomes that the Falcons might need to give Penix a shot sooner than anticipated. If Cousins continues to struggle, Penix could be called upon to take over the starting role, bringing a fresh start to the team’s offense.

Cousins’ Legacy and Future

Kirk Cousins has been an overachiever in his career, especially considering he was a fourth-round pick. Over the years, he has amassed nearly $300 million in career earnings and established himself as one of the league’s more consistent quarterbacks. However, injuries—particularly the Achilles tear—have robbed him of his physical abilities. It’s a tragic turn, as Cousins seemed to be thriving in his final season with the Vikings before the injury.

While it may be the end of Cousins’ career as a starting quarterback, there’s no doubt he’s left a lasting legacy in the NFL. His remarkable earnings, career achievements, and longevity in the league are nothing short of impressive. Even if he no longer plays on the field, Cousins could still find success in a different role, such as a broadcaster, where his charisma and leadership would be highly valued.

Conclusion: Time to Move On?

As Kirk Cousins struggles to regain his previous form, it seems inevitable that his time as a starting quarterback in the NFL is coming to a close. The Falcons may need to make the difficult decision to turn to Michael Penix Jr. sooner than expected. While Cousins has had an incredible career, it’s clear his physical decline has caught up with him, and it may be time for Atlanta to embrace the future with their young quarterback.

What do you think? Is it time for the Falcons to move on from Kirk Cousins and give Penix a chance to lead the team? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.