Around the NFL: Budda Baker Extension, Penix Time, More ...Middle East

Michael Penix Jr. is the new starting quarterback in Atlanta—that and more in today’s NFL Notes.

Michael Penix Jr. Takes Over in Atlanta

The Atlanta Falcons have announced that rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. will replace veteran Kirk Cousins as their starting quarterback, beginning with the upcoming game against the New York Giants. Head coach Raheem Morris stated, “After review, we have made the decision Michael Penix Jr. will be the Atlanta Falcons’ starting quarterback moving forward.”

The Atlanta Falcons have benched veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. after a string of poor performances. Despite signing Cousins to a lucrative four-year deal in March, the team’s struggles—especially Cousins’ nine interceptions and one touchdown over the last five games—forced head coach Raheem Morris to deviate from the original plan of sitting Penix for a year.

Cousins started the season strong, ranking among the league’s top quarterbacks through Week 9, but Atlanta lost four straight games, falling behind Tampa Bay in the NFC South. Morris had defended Cousins, citing his role in keeping the Falcons competitive, but acknowledged the need for change after recent struggles.

Penix, the No. 8 overall draft pick and former Heisman Trophy finalist, will take over with the Falcons still in playoff contention. The team now faces uncertainty about Cousins’ future, as cutting him after the season would incur $65 million in dead cap costs. Alternatives include keeping him as a backup, cutting him in 2025 for a reduced hit, or trading him to QB-needy teams like the Raiders, Titans, or Jets.

Budda Baker Extension

The Arizona Cardinals have secured their defensive leader, star safety Budda Baker, with a three-year, $54 million contract extension, keeping him under contract through the 2027 season and off the free-agent market. The agreement comes at a pivotal time, as Baker, a six-time Pro Bowler, has delivered one of the most impressive seasons of his career. Despite entering the year with questions surrounding his future—especially as he played out much of his contract season without an extension—Baker’s performance left no doubt about his value to the organization.

Currently second in the NFL in tackles with 142, trailing only Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin (144), Baker has been a consistent force for the Cardinals’ defense. He has added two sacks, three passes defensed, and a career-high nine tackles for loss in just 14 games. Baker’s relentless effort and versatility have made him indispensable, evidenced by his standout 18-tackle performance against the Seahawks on December 8. With three regular-season games left, he is just five tackles away from setting a new career-high, a testament to his ability to remain dominant while staying healthy.

Drafted in the second round out of Washington in 2017, Baker has established himself as one of the premier defensive players in the NFL. Known for his speed, physicality, and football IQ, he has overcome injuries throughout his career to become a cornerstone of Arizona’s secondary. His leadership extends beyond the field, as Baker is consistently a vocal presence in the locker room and a model of excellence in practice.

For the Cardinals, who currently sit at 7-7 and are one game behind first place in the NFC West, Baker’s extension is a significant step forward in solidifying the team’s future. Arizona’s defense has relied heavily on Baker’s playmaking ability, and his new deal sends a clear message about his importance to the organization’s success.

Michael Vick Joins the Coaching Ranks

Former NFL quarterback Michael Vick is joining the coaching ranks and will become the head coach at FCS Norfolk State. Vick confirmed the news on social media Tuesday.

“It’s an honor to announce that I’ll be the new head coach of Norfolk State University… looking forward to coming back home,” Vick said.

Vick, 44, was raised in Newport News, Va., roughly 25 miles from Norfolk, and attended Virginia Tech. Following the 1999 season, he led the Hokies to the national championship game against Florida State, establishing himself as one of college football’s most electrifying dual-threat quarterbacks. Vick played two exciting seasons at Virginia Tech and placed third in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1999.

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