The Atlanta Falcons have announced Michael Penix Jr. as their starting quarterback for the 2025 season, building what looks like a stable quarterback situation with Kirk Cousins and Easton Stick as backups. With three quarterbacks capable of starting, the Falcons are well-positioned. However, they face a financial dilemma as Stick's salary is disproportionately higher than that of Penix, potentially affecting their salary cap strategy this season.

The Atlanta Falcons enter the 2025 NFL season with renewed focus on their quarterback position, led by Michael Penix Jr., who is set to take the reins as the unquestioned starter. The team made significant choices during the recent NFL draft, opting not to select an offensive player in the first round for the first time under GM Terry Fontenot, focusing instead on bolstering the defense with two first-round edge rushers. This decision reflects a strategic shift towards strengthening the overall team structure rather than just offensive firepower.

The current depth chart features Penix Jr. alongside Kirk Cousins and Easton Stick, forming a competitive trio aimed at maximizing the team's offensive potential. Penix, fresh off an impressive college career, brings a unique skill set that aligns with the Falcons' aspirations. His ability to push the ball downfield will be crucial in a division that emphasizes high-scoring offenses. As the season approaches, the focus will be on how quickly he can adapt to the professional level and whether he can lead the Falcons back to playoff contention.

Kirk Cousins has made a surprising appearance at the Atlanta Falcons' voluntary offseason program, defying expectations that he would not attend. This comes amid ongoing negotiations regarding his role with the team. Following a disappointing 2024 season, where he lost his starting position to rookie Michael Penix Jr., Cousins is reportedly seeking to be released to pursue a starting role elsewhere. The Falcons, however, are hesitant to let him go, as they have a significant financial commitment to him, including a guaranteed $27.5 million for the upcoming season.

Despite head coach Raheem Morris's previous comments suggesting Cousins would likely miss the voluntary workouts due to the business negotiations at play, his presence has added an unexpected twist to the offseason narrative. With the Falcons also recently signing Easton Stick to bolster their quarterback room, the dynamics of the team's quarterback situation are becoming increasingly complex. The Falcons appear willing to retain Cousins as a backup, but Cousins's preference for a starting role could lead to further complications in the coming weeks.

The Atlanta Falcons have made a strategic move by signing veteran quarterback Easton Stick just days ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. Stick, a product of North Dakota State, previously played for the Los Angeles Chargers, where he recorded 1,133 passing yards, three touchdowns, and one interception across six games. Notably, his best season came in 2023, despite a challenging record of 0-4 as a starter.

This signing raises questions about the future of Kirk Cousins in Atlanta. Reports suggest the Falcons have been exploring trade options involving Cousins, with potential suitors including the Vikings and Steelers. ESPN's Adam Schefter indicated that the trade's compensation could vary significantly based on how much of Cousins' salary the Falcons are willing to cover. This strategic move to bring in Stick could signal a shift in the team's quarterback strategy, preparing for a possible trade.

The Los Angeles Chargers are gearing up for their Week 18 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders with a strong focus on their playoff positioning. With the Cincinnati Bengals' victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Chargers see an opportunity to advance in the standings. This situation has amplified discussions around resting key starters, but they surprised fans by including offensive tackle Rashawn Slater on the inactive list.

Slater's absence is particularly noteworthy as he was not listed on the injury report earlier in the week. However, he reportedly experienced knee discomfort during pre-game stretches, prompting the Chargers to exercise caution. The team's decision aligns with their strategy to preserve players for the playoffs, especially given the physical nature of the upcoming games.

Other notable inactives include quarterback Easton Stick, running back Gus Edwards, wide receiver Joshua Palmer, linebacker Denzel Perryman, offensive lineman Jordan McFadden, and defensive lineman Justin Eboigbe. While Slater's situation casts a shadow of uncertainty, it's clear the Chargers are prioritizing health as they approach the postseason.