Last year, the Falcons committed $100 million to quarterback Kirk Cousins, roughly six weeks before making quarterback Michael Penix Jr. a top-10 pick.

In March of 2024, the Falcons inked Cousins to a lucrative four-year, $180 million contract. By the time the '24 season was over, Cousins was the league leader in interceptions—something he'd never done previously—and Atlanta was starting Michael Penix at the quarterback position.