Now that the Atlanta Falcons have finalized their front office and head coaching changes, the next step is shaping the roster for the 2026 season.
That process will take place under a new leadership group that includes head coach Kevin Stefanski, president of football Matt Ryan and general manager Ian Cunningham. Stefanski will have final say on the on-field direction, but both Ryan and Cunningham will play major roles in how Atlanta builds the roster moving forward.
One of the biggest questions the trio will have to answer is at quarterback.
That dilemma starts with third-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who is rehabbing from a torn ACL suffered midseason, and veteran Kirk Cousins, who is widely expected to be released. If Atlanta does move on from Cousins, it would leave a major question mark at the position — particularly for Week 1 — and set up an interesting offseason for Cunningham in his first year running the roster.
More Falcons on Heavy: Falcons’ Bijan Robinson Makes His Feelings Clear on Kevin Stefanski
Falcons Listed as Option for Steelers Quarterback
If the Falcons cut ties with Cousins through a release or trade, Cunningham will likely be forced to explore veteran options.
The Athletic’s Josh Kendall recently listed 18 quarterback possibilities for Atlanta, with no perfect solutions. Still, one of the more intriguing names mentioned was former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
“The 42-year-old two-time MVP might go back to the Steelers. Or he might become a cohost on ‘The Pat McAfee Show.’ Or he might move to the woods,” Kendall wrote. “It’s hard to tell with Rodgers, but it’s also hard to imagine he won’t keep himself in the conversation throughout the offseason.”
On the surface, going from one aging veteran to another might not sound like much of a plan. But Rodgers has had far more success than Cousins during his career, including winning a Super Bowl, and he would also come at a much cheaper cost.
Atlanta’s likely move away from Cousins is centered around his contract. If he remains on the roster past March 13, Cousins would be owed $67.9 million guaranteed for 2027 following the restructure he agreed to with the Falcons.
Rodgers, meanwhile, played on a one-year, $13.65 million deal with the Steelers in 2025. His current market value is projected lower — a one-year deal worth $10.56 million — according to Spotrac.
Matt Ryan Discusses Michael Penix Jr., Falcons 2026 roster
During Cunningham’s introductory press conference on Feb. 3, questions were raised about the roster and the quarterback situation — including Penix.
Ryan, however, made it clear Stefanski would ultimately be the one making the call.
“We’re not the head coach of the football team so we can’t answer that question,” Ryan said.
Ryan also provided an update on Penix’s rehab.
“Michael’s in a good space right now. We’re excited about where he’s at, but certainly there will be conversations among all of us about the position.”
Ryan added, “(There will be) a lot of discussions for us about the entire roster.”
It’s hard to imagine Atlanta moving away from Penix long term. But with a new vision in place at Flowery Branch, it’s clear nothing can be ruled out — even the idea of the Falcons making a phone call to Aaron Rodgers if a quarterback vacancy needs to be filled in 2026.
Falcons Listed as Possible Landing Spot for Aaron Rodgers