Kirk Cousins signed a four-year, £143million contract with the Atlanta Falcons earlier this offseason after leaving the Minnesota Vikings in free agency
Kirk Cousins has found himself in a tricky situation with his new Atlanta Falcons team, after their controversial drafting of quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with their eighth overall pick.
Cousins had ended his six-year stint with the Minnesota Vikings earlier this offseason, entering free agency and signing a four-year deal worth up to $180million with the Falcons. And it is believed part of the reason behind his decision to move on was the Vikings desire to draft a young quarterback.
Fans were eager to see how Cousins would fit into an exciting young offense featuring Kyle Pitts, Drake London, and Bijan Robinson but their opening night selection in the NFL Draft last month has left plenty confused, including Cousins.
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However, the Falcons’ front office threw a curveball by selecting Penix, the former Washington signal-caller who led the Huskies to the National Championship game, with their first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
According to MMQB, Cousins was taken aback by the decision to draft Penix. A key factor in his decision to leave Minnesota for Atlanta was the Vikings’ transparency about their intention to select a quarterback high in the draft, even if he stayed.
The Vikings’ reluctance to fully guarantee a second year on any new contract led Cousins to part ways, despite his departure, he reportedly appreciated Minnesota’s transparency.
So the Falcons decision to ring him on draft night to explain their decision to select his future successor in Penix Jr may have left him a little surprised.
While head coach Raheem Morris has downplayed the decision and insisted Cousins is the undisputed starter, it’s inevitable that questions have been raised and nerves may persist – particularly if the veteran stumbles out of the gate and calls for Penix Jr. grow louder.
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Michael Penix Jr. is expected to sit behind Cousins – but his high draft selection means fans will hope to see him on the field sooner rather than later ( Image: Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
In eight appearances during the 2023 regular season, Cousins threw for 2,331 yards and 18 touchdowns with just five interceptions. He also posted a rating of 103.8, leading many to suggest that Cousins was in the form of his life, playing at an MVP-level before his season was cut short by an Achilles injury.
NFL Media reports that Cousins was ‘shocked’ and ‘disappointed’ by the Falcons’ decision to opt for Penix Jr. Although he signed a four-year contract, Atlanta can easily exit the deal after two seasons – but it seems Cousins was hoping for a situation where he would be the established starter for more than a single season.
However, the Falcons used a high draft pick on a rookie quarterback who celebrates his 24th birthday on Wednesday, May 8. Minnesota selected the fifth quarterback of the draft by using their 11th overall pick on Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy, but the difference in approach has left Cousins in a tricky position for the start of training camp.
