Kirk Cousins along with the rest of the NFL world was absolutely shocked by the Atlanta Falcons first round selection of quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Right after the team just broke the bank to get Cousins in free agency,
Kirk was very puzzled that the team went and took a 24 year old quarterback with their top pick. If he finishes his $180 million contract then Penix will be 28 when he sees the field.
Kirk Cousins Is Shocked And Confused About Michael Penix Jr. Pick
Michael Penix Jr. was supposed to go in the second half of the first round according to many analysts, so Kirk Cousins was rightfully confused when the Falcons took him No. 8 overall in the 2024 draft. Cousins was hoping the team would get more talent around him and then perhaps draft his successor later on in the draft.
Per Gridiron Heroics Matt Lombardo:
According to a report from NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah, Mike McCartney, Cousins’ agent, was not given a heads-up that the Falcons were going to take Penix Jr.
It is one thing to select a rookie quarterback to potentially groom as the face of the franchise for years to come, but it is something a bit different to do so without giving the veteran quarterback already on your roster a warning that you’re planning on going that direction.
It is quite strange that the team did not check in with their star quarterback about this pick. It is even more strange after they gave Cousins the huge contract.
Multiple Reports Say Kirk Cousins Is Not Happy
Many reports have now come out that Cousins is not happy with how day one of the draft went down for his Falcons.
“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 reported.
Dianna Russini is not the only one to share this notion as Jane Slater of the NFL Network added:
“As we all sit in shock over the Atlanta pick, a source tells me Kirk 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.'”
NFL Fans Are Just As Shocked As The Quarterback
Fans took to social media to share their shock on the pick.
“Oh. Ok Falcons. Sure I guess ?? Drafting a 25 year old in Round 1 after paying Kirk Cousins a billion dollars is certain a choice,” one fan questioned.
“You gave Cousins $100M guaranteed. You figure you’re getting at least two years out of him. If you do that, you don’t then spend the No. 8 pick on a plug-and-play, soon-to-be-24-year-old QB who’s now going to sit on the bench. And yeah, I know, Cousins could get hurt and then you look like a genius. But if you were that worried about Cousins’ durability, why’d you give him $100M?” offered a second.
“Do not understand that pick at all for Falcons I understand going to get your guy but you don’t sign Cousins and then not invest in talent around him, now you get a QB that’s gonna be 27-28 by the time you play him,” said a third.