Kevin Stefanski Declines to Name Michael Penix Jr. Falcons' QB1 Ahead of NFL Combine

There is plenty of uncertainty when it comes to the quarterback position for the Atlanta Falcons, and head coach Kevin Stefanski added to it Tuesday when he did not fully commit to Michael Penix Jr. as the starter.

"I'm not big on giving out positions in February," Stefanski told reporters. "I think you guys know how I feel about Michael and I'm excited about his trajectory. I also know he's focused on his rehab, which is the right thing to do."

Penix underwent surgery for a torn ACL in November, which was all the more notable because he also tore his ACL twice during his collegiate career. ESPN's Adam Schefter noted he has suffered five season-ending injuries in eight years between college and the NFL.

Despite the health questions surrounding Penix, Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham told reporters the team plans to release veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins on March 11, which is the first day of the new league year.

Cousins played down the stretch of the 2025 campaign when Penix was injured and may have earned himself another opportunity elsewhere by going 5-3 as the starter with 10 touchdown passes compared to five interceptions.

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Stefanski has an offensive background and should be able to help Penix or whoever ends up being the team's starting quarterback. Perhaps the Falcons will turn toward free agency with someone like Malik Willis, while players such as Kyler Murray or Tua Tagovailoa could become available depending on what their teams decide to do this offseason.

Atlanta does not have a first-round draft pick to use on a quarterback, although Fernando Mendoza is the only surefire first-rounder at the position this year and is expected to go No. 1 overall to the Las Vegas Raiders.

Penix may end up being the team's best option by default depending on free agency, but Stefanski is not ready to commit to that this early in the offseason.