Kirk Cousins revealed he felt ‘misled’ by Falcons’ Michael Penix Jr. selection

Kirk Cousins revealed he felt ‘misled’ by Falcons’ Michael Penix Jr. selection

Every situation is different, but for some organizations, the best time to draft a quarterback is when you don’t necessarily need one.

That’s what the Atlanta Falcons (must have) thought last year. Mere weeks after signing quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year deal with $100 million guaranteed, the Falcons drafted Michael Penix Jr. No. 8 overall when all signs (at the time) indicated that they were leaning toward drafting a defensive player with their top-8 selection.

It was a perplexing pick at the time, even though Cousins struggled throughout 2024 after suffering a torn Achilles in 2023. The veteran quarterback recently opened up about the past year and how startled he was by the team’s direction at the time of the pick.

“Wasn’t expecting us to take a quarterback so high. At the time, it felt like I had been a little bit misled or certainly if I had the information around free agency, it certainly would have affected my decision,” Cousins said in Netflix’s Quarterback docuseries, according to the New York Post’s Matt Ehalt. “I had no reason to leave Minnesota with how much we loved it there if both teams were going to be drafting a quarterback, but I’ve also learned in 12 years you’re not entitled to anything. It’s all about being able to earn your sport and prove yourself.

“We wanted to be in Minnesota, but it became clear we were going to be there year to year and that’s what we didn’t want and at that point, we said, ‘Alright, we need to look elsewhere. If that’s our only option, then we’ll be back. … Ended up signing with Atlanta and was pretty excited about the chance to get down there and start fresh. And then was pretty surprised when the NFL draft happened.”

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Cousins, 36, led the NFL in interceptions (16) last season, completing 66.9 percent of his attempts for 3,508 yards and 18 touchdowns. He looked like a shell of himself and was eventually benched in Week 16.

While the Falcons were expected to part ways with the four-time Pro Bowler, he’s still there. Things can still change between now and early September, but signs are pointing to Cousins remaining in Atlanta with his dastardly contract, for better or worse.

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