Kirk Cousins reportedly stunned by Falcons pick after signing massive offseason contract
Fans and media alike were surprised when the Atlanta Falcons selected Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 overall. According to reports, so was recently signed Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Per NFL Network's Jane Slater, Cousins was shocked and disappointed that Atlanta chose Penix Jr.
As we all sit in shock over the Atlanta pick, a source tells me Kirk Cousins just as “shocked” and “disappointed” Never said anything to him or his reps about a QB in 1st round despite suggesting they would. Still “it’s a business”
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) April 26, 2024
The Athletic's Dianna Russini reports that Cousins was informed of the Penix Jr. pick but Cousins said he did not believe a quarterback would be selected at No. 8 overall.
The Falcons called Kirk Cousins when they were on the clock to let him know.
From what I learned, Cousins understood a QB would be considered but he did not believe his successor would be taken in the first round. I’m told he’s a bit stunned.— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) April 26, 2024
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport stated on the broadcast prior to the announcement of the No. 8 overall pick that the Falcons were considering selecting Penix Jr. at that pick. He later stated that Cousins was given a heads up prior to the selection.
The Falcons, who signed Kirk Cousins in the offseason, draft Michael Penix Jr.
Before the pick, Ian Rapoport said that the Falcons were considering it. "It's all about succession at the most important position." pic.twitter.com/aSQlTrR9sp— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 26, 2024
Fellow NFL Network insider Daniel Jeremiah added during the network's broadcast that Cousins' agent was not informed of the pick either.
Daniel Jeremiah: "I just reached out to his agent, Mike McCartney, he was not given a heads up. Kirk Cousins was not given really a heads up on this whole thing." pic.twitter.com/ShfKRBR257
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 26, 2024
Kirk Cousins contract: Four years, $180 million
Cousins signed the biggest deal of free agency this year with a four year, $180 million contract with $100 million guaranteed. The contract also includes a no-trade clause and he'll earn $62.5 million in 2024 alone.
If the Falcons cut him ahead of 2025, he'll cost at least $40 million against the Falcons' salary cap in dead money. That hit goes down to at least $12.5 million if he's cut ahead of 2026 or 2027.
Fans reaction to Michael Penix jr. pick
Fans had varied reactions to the news as well.
Probably a bit stunned that the QB drafted is older than him too
— Three Year Letterman (@3YearLetterman) April 26, 2024
Kirk Cousins getting RG3’d. How things come full circle.
— SC (@Turtle8oy) April 26, 2024
Oh no Falcons, that’s not good. Figured they gave him a heads up
— 2020 (@ThatsTwenty20) April 26, 2024
Could’ve gotten him a weapon or OL protection. That’s awful
— Chase Wilson (@offworldnexus) April 26, 2024
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NFL Draft: Kirk Cousins 'stunned' by Falcons drafting QB Penix Jr.
