The Atlanta Falcons still have veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins on the roster, however, that's expected to change in the coming months. Even if Cousins returns in 2025, the team doesn't expect him to be at voluntary workouts, meaning he won't be much help to young Michael Penix Jr. this offseason.
Fans need not worry, though, as the team is enlisting the help of a former Falcons legend to help mentor Penix over the summer. According to a report from NFL Network reporter Cameron Wolfe, head coach Raheem Morris told said he plans to get Matt Ryan to help prepare Penix for the upcoming 2025 season.
"He said we plan to get former quarterbacks in his ear working with him, including Matt Ryan, to get him through the process of going through the whole offseason as a starter," said Wolfe.
A solution on Kirk Cousins future may come in a few weeks around the draft, but Falcons 2025 focus is centered on QB1 Michael Penix development & growth — a clear plan that is starting early in offseason with help.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) April 3, 2025
More on Penix, Cousins & Falcons for @nflnetwork The Insiders: pic.twitter.com/R4I5hJlWJc
Ryan spent 14 seasons in Atlanta before getting traded to the Indianapolis Colts during the 2022 offseason. The former Boston College standout is Atlanta's all-time passing leader, racking up 59,735 passing yards, 367 touchdowns, 170 interceptions and one league MVP award from 2008 through 2021.
The Falcons are going forward with Penix as their QB1 regardless of what happens with Cousins over the next few months. Penix made three starts last season, finishing with 775 passing yards, three touchdowns, three interceptions and one rushing touchdown.
One thing Penix did well as a rookie was push the ball down the field. Drake London has had some monster games as a result of the rookie entering the lineup over the final three weeks. With a little more polish to his overall game, Penix could put up huge numbers in an explosive Falcons offense next season.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons: Matt Ryan to help mentor Michael Penix Jr.
