The Atlanta Falcons appeared to solve their quarterback problem when they signed veteran Pro Bowler Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract with the first two years and $90 million guaranteed.
So just about everyone in the NFL world was shocked when the Falcons took Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr . with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft — including Cousins.
Cousins was reportedly blindsided by the Falcons’ decision. The team never gave him an indication they were considering a quarterback with their first-round pick until they called him while they were on the clock and about to submit the pick. Various reports described Cousins’ response to the news as “stunned,” “shocked” and “disappointed” as well as “inherent frustration and confusion” that the pick was not used to improve the projected 2024 Falcons roster but instead pick his eventual replacement.
Cousins’ agent Mike McCartney went on the record with multiple outlets, including ESPN and NFL Media , to confirm that Cousins had no idea of the Falcons’ plans until they called him, but the 35-year-old quarterback “understands the business of football” and “is ready to move forward” with his new team.