Falcons Quarterback Rankings Raise Concerns Ahead of 2026 Season

The Atlanta Falcons face uncertainty in their quarterback situation as CBS Sports recently ranked all 63 quarterbacks who started games in the 2025 NFL season. The assessment by Nick Shook revealed that neither of the team’s quarterbacks made the top 25, highlighting ongoing concerns about the team’s performance under center.

Kirk Cousins, who stepped in for the injured Michael Penix Jr., ranked No. 28 on Shook’s list, a drop of three spots from his 2024 ranking. Shook noted that Cousins “exceeded most expectations” after taking over for Penix, who had been sidelined with injuries. Cousins initially helped keep the Falcons’ offense competitive before finding his rhythm, reflecting the high hopes that the franchise had when he was signed in 2024.

Cousins started the season in Week 8 against the Miami Dolphins, filling in due to Penix’s absence from a bone bruise. Following a partial ACL tear suffered by Penix in a Week 11 game against the Carolina Panthers, Cousins finished the season as the starter. He achieved a record of 5-3 in games he started, including a strong finish with a 4-0 record to end the season. Over the course of the year, he completed 61.7% of his passes, amassing 1,721 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions, resulting in an 84.8 passer rating. Despite this promising end, Cousins is expected to be released before the new league calendar begins, which could free up valuable cap space for the Falcons.

Michael Penix Jr. landed just below Cousins in the rankings at No. 34, a decline of four spots from his previous year. Shook described Penix’s second season as disappointing, particularly due to the injury that cut it short. Penix started just nine games in 2025, managing a 3-5 record in the eight full games he played. His completion rate was 60.1%, with 1,982 yards, nine touchdowns, and three interceptions, leading to an 88.5 passer rating. Before his injury, Penix had one of the better touchdown-to-interception ratios in the league, adding to the frustration of his untimely exit.

As the Falcons prepare for the 2026 season, the outlook for their quarterback position remains uncertain. Penix has expressed confidence about being ready for the season opener, and the upcoming year is crucial for him as the team seeks a franchise quarterback to fill the void left by the departure of Matt Ryan. The franchise’s future could hinge on how Penix recovers and progresses in the coming months, making this an essential period for both him and the organization.