The Falcons signed Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract this offseason in the hopes he was the missing piece that could thrust them back into the playoffs. But Atlanta was officially eliminated from postseason contention Sunday afternoon.

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.