An NFL insider recently explained why trading Kirk Cousins will be very difficult for the Atlanta Falcons. And his future

Kirk Cousins is mulling retirement after the Falcons benched him and plans on cutting him from the roster this offseason.

The Falcons drafted Washington standout Michael Penix Jr. in the first round, which was a surprise to Cousins. Penix, who was considered one of the more pro-ready quarterback prospects in the class, will make his first NFL start this Sunday against the New York Giants.

Cousins, who is in the first season of a four-year, $180 million contract that included $90 million guaranteed at signing, was benched by the Falcons on Tuesday.

NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reviews the various factors and the possible outcomes at play as the Atlanta Falcons proceed with a succession plan from Kirk Cousins to Michael Penix Jr.

The Kirk Cousins fiasco for the Atlanta Falcons led to a $180 million decision, and the winner was Michael Penix Jr. and the Falcons. So far.

It's unknown what the Atlanta Falcons were thinking when they inked quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal last offseason, only to break ties with him 12 months later. As reported by NFL insider Adam Schefter on Saturday,

Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins was a positive mentor for rookie Michael Penix Jr. on Sunday, which may have made him more money down the road.