They didn't have a backup QB, and their season was over. Cousins, in my opinion, is an overrated, overpaid underachiever. He's never taken a team far into the playoffs, and his career is definitely waning. With Penix they have a young, talented prospect who they hope can come in if Cousins gets injured, and a few years from now he'll be a reliable starter for them.

I can't bame them for preparing for Cousins' eventual demise even though he hasn't played a game with them yet.

Kirk Cousins got a $100 Million guaranteed money clause in the contract he signed with the Atlanta Falcons. Unless ATL has an escape clause that's unbreakable or hidden somewhere, Mr Cousins will be able to soothe any hurt feelings in his future.

Just by the nature of the game, a team would be silly not to have a backup.

By then he'll be nearly 38.
38. Everybody isn't Brady, able to play into their 40s.
Penix is not a finished product but has enormous potential. Two years behind a vet may let him become like Jordan Love. He wasn't ready as a rookie either, but he's pretty darned good now.
Remember, Mahomes didn't start his rookie year either.

He panics under pressure, can't hit the middle of the field, and breaks when hit. Basically, he's Russell Wilson with Derek Carr's "grace" under pressure, and Jimmy Garoppolo's durability.