Knowing that the Atlanta Falcons would select a quarterback in the first round, Kirk Cousins stated that he might have decided to re-sign with the Minnesota Vikings during the previous offseason.
The veteran discussed his thoughts on the Falcons selecting Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall choice in the 2024 draft for the first time in public in an episode of the Netflix series “Quarterback,” which debuted on Tuesday.
According to Cousins, he felt “a little bit misled” when the Falcons elevated Penix to that level. Only weeks prior, the Falcons had locked down Cousins as their quarterback for 2024 and beyond with a contract worth at least $100 million guaranteed.
Then, believing Penix could be a franchise quarterback in the future, Atlanta shocked the NFL and Cousins by selecting him in the draft.
According to Cousins, he knew the Falcons might select a quarterback in the draft, but not by that much. When Atlanta was on the clock, offensive coordinator Zac Robinson called him to let him know about the Penix choice.
In the season’s opening episode, Cousins stated:
“Certainly, if I had the information around free agency, it certainly would’ve affected my decision,”. “I had no reason to leave Minnesota with how much we loved it there if both teams are going to be drafting a quarterback high. But I’ve also learned in 12 years in this league that you’re not entitled to anything. It’s all about being able to earn your spot and prove yourself.”
The Vikings selected quarterback J.J. McCarthy with the tenth choice in the 2024 draft, despite having made an offer to Cousins during the previous summer.
Before suffering a severe injury to his right arm in Week 10 from New Orleans Saints defensive end Payton Turner, Cousins guided the Falcons to a 6-3 start the previous season.
