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5-at-10: Falcons bench $100-million QB, Rodgers vs. ESPN round 3, “Showdown” letdown

Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. runs onto the field before a preseason game earlier this month against the Dolphins in Miami Gardens, Fla. (Associated Press)
Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. runs onto the field before a preseason game earlier this month against the Dolphins in Miami Gardens, Fla. (Associated Press) Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. runs onto the field before a preseason game earlier this month against the Dolphins in Miami Gardens, Fla. (Associated Press)

By Jay Greeson 7 min read

Kissing Cousins goodbye?

So the Falcons pulled the plug on Kirk Cousins, benching the off season free-agent they gave a $160 million deal to with $100 million guaranteed.

Would this be happening if they had not inexplicably drafted Michael Penix 8th overall?

Did this impact Cousins’ psyche? Did this divide the locker room?

Is it now Penix time, full-time? And if so, what happens with Cousins? If you can’t find a trade partner for the veteran QB, cutting him before next season will be a $65 million dead cap hit.