On Feb. 3, the Falcons introduced Ian Cunningham as general manager alongside Matt Ryan, the team’s president of football. Ryan declined to commit on Penix Jr. as Week 1 starter, noting that neither he nor Cunningham is the head coach and that roster discussions will drive the decision in the coming months.
Penix is rehabbing a torn ACL suffered in November, with a recovery timeline that could stretch from nine months to a full year. While Ryan praised Penix’s rehab progress and stated the organization is optimistic about the quarterback’s readiness, the broader plan remains fluid as Atlanta evaluates the roster and future moves.
A potential wildcard in the Falcons’ plans is Kirk Cousins, who is expected to be released in March to provide salary-cap flexibility. If Cousins departs, Atlanta could pursue a veteran option to stabilize the position while Penix recovers or to bridge the gap into 2026.
One veteran target to watch is Jacoby Brissett. Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine suggested Brissett as a realistic, affordable option who has previously thrived under Kevin Stefanski. Brissett’s 2025 season with the Cardinals produced 3,366 passing yards, 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions, and a 64.9% completion rate across 14 appearances. He signed a two-year, $12.5 million deal in 2025, with a 2026 cap hit of $9.19 million, a price tag Atlanta could accommodate given projected cap space near $28 million.
If the Falcons choose Brissett or another veteran, it would provide a steadying presence behind Penix or serve as a bridge if Penix isn’t ready for the start of the season. Atlanta’s approach will hinge on Penix’s rehab timeline and the evolving quarterback market this offseason.
In short, Atlanta faces a delicate balance: maximize flexibility with cap space while weighing Penix’s return timeline against potential veteran additions as it shapes its 2026 quarterback plan. Keep an eye on how the front office’s evaluations and free-agent activity unfold in the coming weeks.
