The Atlanta Falcons made one of the most surprising moves in the 2024 NFL Draft when they selected QB Michael Penix at No.8 overall, just weeks after signing QB Kirk Cousins to a $180 million deal.
Cousins, who was expected to be the unquestioned starter moving forward, made comments on the popular Netflix series “Quarterback”.
The veteran quarterback stated that he felt “misled” when commenting on the Falcons’ selection of Michael Penix.
Now, with the Netflix series gaining attention and a report by Yahoo Sports Reporter Charles Robinson, “misled” may not even cover it.
Report Reveals More To Cousins’ Situation
On the Netflix series “Quarterback”, Falcons’ veteran Kirk Cousins opened up about his experience after the 2024 NFL draft.
Cousins revealed he felt “misled” during conversations regarding Atlanta’s draft plans.
After all, the Falcons had just signed Cousins to a monster contract extension.
Cousins was not expecting competition, let alone a quarterback selected eighth overall.
The move clearly blindsided Cousins, and while he did reveal his thoughts, his word of choice was telling.
Yahoo Sports Reporter Charles Robinson took the story of Cousins and the Falcons deeper.
In his recent feature, Robinson outlines that while “misled” was the word Cousins used, it doesn’t paint the full picture.
Cousins said he felt “misled” when the draft-day stunner unfolded. That’s a diplomatic phrase. Everything I have heard from talking to those close to Cousins is that the more accurate descriptor — and more acidic — is that he was lied to.
In a situation that was once exciting with a brand-new extension, the Falcons are left with the fallout.
“You can suggest this is what the Falcons created when they drafted Penix. They signed a veteran to a massive deal and gave him an in-house problem to worry about that would ultimately impact his thinking,” said Robinson.
Falcons Look Ahead Amidst Fallout
Heading into the 2025 season, the Falcons, and Cousins, must now continue to navigate their situations.
“Heading into 2025, it’s mostly just a dissection for posterity: what not to do when you sign a major veteran free-agent quarterback. But because of the Netflix series, it’s not just that. We now know that Cousins regrets signing with the Falcons,” said Robinson.
It is clear that the Falcons have a fairly awkward situation brewing in their quarterback room.
Micheal Penix is now the unquestioned starter and Kirk Cousins will be the one on the sideline.
Having stated a new identity and brand of football is coming this season, the Falcons will need to have their young signal-caller locked in.
Michael Penix will be a vital piece of the puzzle if the Falcons hope to make the playoffs this season.
If the Falcons get off to a slow start and Penix doesn’t find his footing quickly, it could be full-blown chaos in Flowery Branch.
Michael Penix might be the starter, but the optics surrounding how he got here, won’t vanish.
The Falcons are now built with a quarterback who will look to carry the weight of a franchise, messy ex-quarterback narratives and big expectations all before having started his first full season in the NFL.
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