The Atlanta Falcons have made a strategic move by signing veteran quarterback Ben DiNucci, just days after backup QB Emory Jones suffered a concussion during the team’s preseason matchup against the Titans. This decision adds depth to the Falcons’ quarterback room at a time when questions loom over the immediate and long-term future of veteran Kirk Cousins.
DiNucci, 28, last saw regular-season action in 2020 as a rookie with the Dallas Cowboys. Although he has spent the past few years bouncing between NFL practice squads and most recently starring in the XFL, he now has another opportunity to break into an active roster.
His signing with Atlanta was confirmed shortly after Jones was placed in concussion protocol and subsequently waived/injured.
The Falcons are set to face the Cowboys in their final preseason game, but head coach Raheem Morris has already confirmed that neither Kirk Cousins nor rookie Michael Penix Jr. will suit up for the contest. That means all eyes will be on DiNucci and Easton Stick as they battle for positioning behind the presumed top two quarterbacks on the roster.
DiNucci’s unexpected return and the Cousins conundrum
DiNucci was a seventh-round pick in 2020 and saw limited action with Dallas, appearing in three games and starting one. Though he hasn’t taken a snap in a regular-season game since then, he’s remained active in football, including a standout stint with the Seattle Sea Dragons in the XFL. In 2023, he led the league in passing yards and reaffirmed his ability to lead an offense when given the chance.
Off the field, DiNucci also made headlines for founding the Dallas-based streetwear brand True Brvnd, which he launched during the pandemic. Despite his limited NFL playing time, he’s leveraged his platform creatively and successfully.
Meanwhile, the quarterback situation in Atlanta remains murky. Cousins, who signed a major contract last year, appears to have taken a back seat to Penix Jr., the team’s first-round pick. The fact that neither QB has played in any preseason games has fueled speculation that Cousins could be traded, especially if another team finds itself in need of a starter as the season begins.
Some fans have already floated theories about a possible move to the LA Rams, and if Cousins were dealt, DiNucci’s path to more playing time could open further.
As the preseason finale approaches, DiNucci now faces a critical opportunity-not just to impress coaches, but to prove he still belongs in the NFL conversation.
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