The Atlanta Falcons have a problem.

His name is Kirk Cousins.

And the problem is this: Michael Penix Jr.'s tenure as a starting quarterback has an escape hatch that shouldn't exist.

Here's how ESPN's Dan Graziano explained it in a new article on Wednesday:

"The bulk of the offseason has come and gone, and Cousins is still with the Falcons -- even though they've openly said Penix will be the starter in his second season. Cousins is making $27.5 million this season (and has $10 million guaranteed in 2026) to be a backup. If Penix struggles early -- four of Atlanta's first five games are against 2024 playoff teams and three of the team's first six are in prime time -- it could be tempting to go back to the veteran Cousins even after he disappointed last season. It's the main reason the Falcons should have worked harder to unload Cousins this offseason."

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Is there a small benefit to having a talented backup QB in case of injury? Sure.

But Cousins threw a league-worst 16 interceptions last season before being benched. He may not be on that level anymore, anyway, and Atlanta's indecision regarding trading him has them in this spot.

Cousins is now looming as a question for the Falcons, both internally and from the media, any time that Penix struggles.

If this is Penix's team, then Cousins being around only creates conflict.

Hopefully at least Cousins proves a good leader from the sideline. But he's still a problem waiting to happen.

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