BREAKING: Atlanta Falcons Move on from Kirk Cousins and Terry Fontenot After Fifth-Straight Loss…
By Nick Halden | 3:00 PM EST
In a shocking and dramatic turn of events, the Atlanta Falcons have announced they will part ways with both quarterback Kirk Cousins and general manager Terry Fontenot following the team’s fifth consecutive loss, signaling a full-scale change within the organization.
The Falcons, once the NFC South leaders at 6-3, have spiraled into a disastrous losing streak, capped by a humiliating 24-10 defeat at the hands of the rival Carolina Panthers. Cousins, who had been brought in during the offseason to provide stability at quarterback, has struggled mightily in recent weeks. Over the past five games, he has thrown eight interceptions and zero touchdowns, with the offense failing to generate any rhythm or consistency.
Kirk Cousins Out as Falcons’ QB
Cousins’ decline has been swift and unforgiving. Signed to a two-year deal with the hope that his veteran presence would stabilize a quarterback room in turmoil, Cousins has instead become a symbol of the Falcons’ growing dysfunction. The once-reliable passer has seen his arm strength fade, and his turnover woes have been catastrophic. Over the last five weeks, the Falcons have seen their playoff hopes dwindle, and now, following the fifth-straight loss, the team is moving in a new direction at quarterback.
“We have decided to move on from Kirk,” said Falcons head coach Arthur Smith in a press conference earlier today. “Kirk is a tremendous professional, but our recent struggles have made it clear that we need a change to spark this team. We wish him nothing but the best moving forward.”
With Cousins out, speculation is already mounting about who will take over the starting role for the Falcons. Rookie Michael Penix Jr., who was drafted in the top ten this year but has seen little playing time, could finally get his shot. Alternatively, the Falcons may look to free agency or trade for another quarterback, but the immediate future in Atlanta is uncertain.
Terry Fontenot’s Departure Shakes the Front Office
Fontenot, who has served as general manager since 2021, also finds himself on the way out following the team’s latest collapse. While Fontenot was praised early in his tenure for building a solid defense and making smart draft picks, recent moves have been heavily criticized, particularly his decision to sign Cousins and his failure to develop a long-term solution at quarterback.
Despite some success with earlier draft classes, including selecting standout players like Kyle Pitts and A.J. Terrell, Fontenot’s decision-making on the quarterback position has been called into question. His failure to add a more viable backup or provide a clear path for Penix to eventually take over the starting role has left the franchise in limbo.
“We are grateful for Terry’s contributions to this team, but after careful evaluation, we feel it’s time for a new direction,” said Falcons owner Arthur Blank in a statement released this afternoon. “We need leadership that can take this team to the next level, and we believe change is necessary to achieve that.”
Fontenot’s departure represents a major shake-up in the Falcons’ front office. The search for a new general manager will begin immediately, and the team is expected to prioritize finding someone with a clear vision for building a contender and addressing the long-standing quarterback issue.
A Frustrated Fanbase and a Fork in the Road
The Falcons’ decision to part ways with both Cousins and Fontenot has sent shockwaves through the organization and its fanbase. Just a few months ago, Atlanta was riding high with a solid record and hopes of ending a long playoff drought. But with the team now on a downward spiral, the front office has decided that sweeping changes are necessary.
For fans, the departure of both Cousins and Fontenot only adds to the growing frustration surrounding the team’s inability to make the necessary moves at quarterback. Many had hoped that Cousins would provide stability for at least a few seasons, but the experiment has failed dramatically. Meanwhile, Fontenot’s inability to address the quarterback position, both in terms of acquiring a short-term answer and developing a long-term solution, has left the Falcons searching for answers once again.
What’s Next for the Falcons?
The Falcons are now faced with a major crossroads in both their on-field and front-office operations. In the immediate term, the quarterback position will be the most pressing issue. Will they turn to Penix Jr. to finish the season? Could a veteran free agent like Matt Ryan or Carson Wentz be brought in as a stopgap? Or, might the Falcons look to make a big splash and target a quarterback via trade, such as the previously rumored interest in Matthew Stafford or even a move for Lamar Jackson?
Off the field, the search for a new general manager will begin in earnest, with the Falcons likely to seek out an executive with experience in player development and a clear vision for building a long-term contender. With the quarterback position at the center of the team’s struggles, expect the next GM to prioritize finding a stable, franchise-caliber quarterback to lead the team into the future.
In the meantime, the Falcons have a long road ahead, and it remains to be seen whether these dramatic changes will be enough to save the season or if this will be the beginning of a much-needed rebuilding process.
Stay tuned for further updates as the Falcons continue to navigate this tumultuous period.
