Kirk Cousins has finally weighed in Atlanta’s decision to draft a first-round quarterback a month after he signed a 4-year contract with the Falcons.
In an episode of the Netflix series “Quarterback,” which premiered Tuesday, the former Michigan State star discussed the Falcons taking Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 pick in the 2024 draft.
The usually classy Cousins admitted he felt “a little bit misled” after Penix arrived on the scene. Cousins, a longtime starter in both Washington and Minnesota, signed a four-year, $180 million contract in March 2024.
His track record and the size of the contract seemed to guarantee Cousins a long-term starting role in Atlanta, but the Falcons shocked everyone when they took the dynamic Penix after he led the NCAA in passing yards at Washington in 2023.
Cousins began the season as the starting quarterback, but he was benched in December with the Falcons struggling to a 7-7 record.
Cousins said he was aware the Falcons might draft a quarterback, but not in in the top 10. When the Falcons took Penix, he was just as shocked as everyone else across the football world.
“Certainly, if I had the information around free agency, it certainly would’ve affected my decision,” Cousins said on the first episode of the season.
“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.”
With Cousins leading the way, the Falcons started 6-3 but went on to lose four of five games with the quarterback struggling mightily.
Cousins was 7th in passing yards and had back-to-back strong performances against Tampa and Dallas prior to the losing streak (7 TDs, 0 INT), but the veteran soon entered a tailspin, throwing 9 interceptions compared to just 1 touchdown.
He had a league-high 16 interceptions at the time of his benching, which he took in stride at the time.
Many expected Cousins to be moved elsewhere in the offseason, but the Falcons picked up his $10 million bonus in March and he remains on the roster heading into training camp.
He will be 37 by the time the 2025 season begins.
“It hurts to go into work, but you got to be an adult,” Cousins said. “You’ve got to be a grown man and handle it with maturity. I feel sorry for myself and it’s hard to do, but that’s what you got to do. And so that’s kind of where my focus went.”
Atlanta opens the season vs. Tampa Bay on Sept. 7.
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