Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins gave his honest response to a question that everyone has had since the team drafted Michael Penix with the eighth-overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Was Cousins misled by the Falcons when he signed a four-year, $180 million contract with $100 million guaranteed? Based on his answer on the new season of Netflix’s popular “Quarterback” series, it sure sounds like it.
“Certainly, if I had that information around free agency, it would’ve affected my decision,” Cousins said about joining the team before the 2024 season. “I had no reason to leave Minnesota, with how much we loved it there, if both teams were going to be drafting a quarterback high. But I’ve also learned in 12 years in this league that you’re not entitled to anything. It’s all about earning your spot and proving yourself.”
Cousins brings up a good point that many fans often overlook when it comes to going to a new team via free agency or trade. It’s not just about the money or the football situation (even though that weighs heavily obviously), but a player has to uproot his family. Do they have to sell their house? Do they need temporary housing in the new city? Will his kids have to move schools? Sure, the money is great, but if offers are comparable, factoring in not moving your kids across the country could be the tipping point.
The Vikings offered Cousins a contract
While the Minnesota Vikings didn’t offer anything like Cousins got in Atlanta, they did make him an offer to stay put. Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported it at the time.
“The Vikings made Kirk Cousins an offer for more than one year that included guaranteed money in year two, sources tell @alec_lewis and me,” she posted on X. “Ultimately, the Falcons’ offer exceeded how far Minnesota was willing to go. The team is now focused on maximizing a flexible future.”
“I think in Minnesota, it was trending over the last couple offseasons to being somewhat year-to-year,” Cousins said previously on signing with the Falcons.
“As we talked with Atlanta, it felt like this was a place where, if I play at the level I expect to play, that I can retire a Falcon. That was something that really excited me and that’s certainly the goal. You’ve got to earn the right to do that, but that was exciting to feel like I could get that opportunity here.”
Unless he retires early, he isn’t retiring a Falcon.
Latest on Cousins trade rumors
It’s no secret that the Falcons don’t want Cousins and his $40 million cap hit on the books for 2025. He’s by far the biggest cap number for any player on the team and – as of now – he doesn’t start. That’s not tenable.
However, the trade rumors have been silent as of late especially after the NFL Draft came and went in April without him going to a new team. The only trade rumors that are currently circulating are the ones created by the media as complete hypotheticals. Which is fine, it’s slow right now, have fun.
For what it’s worth, Cousins has said that he just wants to play, but as per usual, Cousins handles it in a very professional manner.
“Obviously, you’d love to play. I’m not going to dwell on things that aren’t reality,” the 36-year old said. “That’s not the situation that I’m in. It’s better spent to be focused on the situation that I’m in and controlling what you can control, and I think that’s the right mindset to have.”
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