Kirk Cousins ‘Shocked & Disappointed’ as Future Cut Short With Michael Penix Jr Picked 8th Overall by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2024 NFL Draft

The Atlanta Falcons’ draft room was a pressure cooker, the clock ticking down while the future of the franchise hung in the balance. With the 8th pick, the Falcons charted a new course for the team. Michael Penix Jr., with a rocket for an arm and ice in his veins, is now set to don the red and black.

Penix’s 9,544 career passing yards and 67 touchdowns are a testament to his arm strength. He had a 65% completion rate speaks to his high precision. Then there’s Kirk Cousins, the seasoned field general with stats that speak to consistency and experience. Cousins’ 103.8 passer rating and 18 touchdowns last season are the hard-earned fruits of a career spent in the trenches, leading charges and orchestrating comebacks. So how does the seasoned field general Cousins feel about the new kid on the block Penix Jr.?

Did Cousins get a heads-up about Michael Penix Jr.?

The Atlanta Falcons, in a play that’s got everyone scrambling for their playbooks, have drafted Michael Penix Jr., leaving fans and pundits alike wondering about the fate of Kirk Cousins. Cousins, who had envisioned himself retiring as a Falcon, finds his future with the team as hazy as a foggy morning in Georgia. “I want to finish strong…people remember how you finish more than how you started. The start was good, but I want to finish really strong here in Atlanta,” Cousins said at his introductory press conference. Yet, with Penix’s arrival, those plans might need to be revamped.

Cousins and his agent were completely blindsided by the Penix pick. No heads up, no warning – like finding out through a text that your starting spot might be up for grabs. According to multiple reports, Kirk is not happy. “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.

Jane Slater of the NFL Network added: “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.'”

Kirk Cousins’ journey to the Atlanta Falcons

Kirk Cousins’ journey to the Atlanta Falcons hasn’t been easy either. After being drafted by the Washington Commanders (then Redskins) in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL Draft, Cousins carved out a name for himself as a reliable signal-caller. His tenure with the Minnesota Vikings solidified his reputation, where he not only earned three Pro Bowl nods but also became known for his clutch performances and leadership.

Cousins’ contract with the Falcons—a hefty four-year, $180 million deal with $100 million guaranteed—reflects the faith the organization has in his abilities. Yet, with the Falcons drafting Michael Penix Jr., the narrative shifts. Cousins’ guaranteed money covers only the first two years, leaving the latter half of his contract and his future with the team as uncertain as a fumble in overtime. It’s a high-stakes game in the NFL, and Cousins’ next move will be watched by fans and analysts with bated breath.

Will Cousins rise to the challenge, or will Penix Jr. be the new star leading the Dirty Birds to glory? Stay tuned, because this season just got a whole lot more interesting. Meanwhile, Don’t miss a moment of the NFL Draft 2024 action by Joining ES Fancast for LIVE coverage.